A common misconception and rumor about college basketball players is that they are the life of the party. That is a contrary to Duce Jackson, who reiterates his disdain for the party scene.
“Something that sets me apart from the average athlete or student in general is I do not like to party or go out…it’s just not my thing, said Jackson, a sophomore basketball player here at Bloomsburg University.
A typical student like any of us. Although preparing for one of the most anticipated seasons of Bloomsburg Huskies Men’s Basketball is right around the corner, Jackson’s day might sound familiar to your own.
Many people on campus can admit the hardships of being a student: the workload, anxiety, behavioral slumps, and even fatigue. It’s not easy being a student and even harder being a top-tier athlete along with that. Many student-athletes give up after their freshman year or find new hobbies, but Jackson’s daily routine allows time for athletics, studies, and free time.
“So a typical morning starts early for me. I wake up around 5:15 am; brush my teeth, clean up, make sure I have all my gear. I live in Elwell Hall, and practice is at Nelson on Upper Campus, so I try to be at practice before 6 a.m. Around 7:15 a.m. we start to condition and get a lift afterwards. From there, I head to class from 9:30 till 12:15 p.m.
After my class, I go back to my dorm and shower, stretch, even take a nap before I’m back at Nelson around 2:30 p.m. with Coach Smiley. Workout with Coach for as long as he needs me there and then I’m done for the day”.
This day doesn’t end at just the end of the workout; Jackson goes back to his room and enjoys an average college experience. His hobbies outside of basketball include cooking, watching movies, and continuing his relationship with his family, whom he has a close relationship with.
A focused, determined mind is a scary thing to face, especially as an opposing basketball player or team. Jackson will be able to showcase the talent and the dedication, as will his teammates and coaches this season with the Huskies. The first exhibition and showing of this mindset is on November 2nd, which seems like a long time, but the skills and habits he builds now allow him to succeed now and the foreseeable future.
