Ryan Daly talks St.Joseph's Basketball

After a stellar two year career at the University of Delaware, Ryan Daly transferred to St.Joseph's University and played this past season under new head coach, Billy Lange. In my interview with Ryan he breaks down this past season, the future of St.Joseph's basketball, and where he stands in terms of the NBA Draft process, as he entered the draft while retaining his eligibility. Daly has became a household name at the college level and is one of the best scorers in the country.

Q: “Ryan, I wanted to thank you for taking some time to talk with the Beef Up Front. After completing a stellar season at St.Joseph’s, you declared for the NBA Draft while retaining your eligibility allowing you to go through the pre-draft process. What has that process been like in lieu of quarantine and stay at home orders across the nation?”

A: "No problem. Thanks for having me. This process has been completely unprecedented. The world is at a standstill and it is definitely not what I expected."

Q: “You came out of high school playing for Archbishop Caroll, in the always competitive Philadelphia Catholic League. Your senior year you were the MVP of one of the best high school basketball leagues in the nation. Can you explain what playing in the PCL was like, and how that prepared you for the next level?”

A: "The PCL was an unbelievable experience basketball wise. The amount of talent I went up against during national tournaments but also during the three seasons was crazy. It really helped me push myself to be better and I'm extremely grateful for it."

Q: “Before transferring to SJU, you had a two year career playing for Martin Ingelsby at the University of Delaware. You earned 2017 CAA Rookie of the Year, led the team in scoring both seasons, and scored 1,000 career points as a Blue Hen. What was the reason for transferring from a spot that you seemed to have a lot of individual success at?”

A: "I really enjoyed playing at Delaware. I never felt I needed to jump a level or any of that. Socially, I never really fit in and I never really found much happiness outside of basketball there. Me and my family felt a change of scene was best. "

Q: “When you originally transferred to SJU, Phil Martelli was the coach that brought you in. After the 2018-2019 season though he was let go and Coach Billy Lange was brought in from the Philadelphia 76ers. Can you describe what playing for Coach Lange, a guy with a lot of coaching experience at the highest level is like?”

A: "Coach Lange has been great for me. I love Coach Phil and he is family to me as well. Billy really implemented many concepts and thoughts for me and it really helped me grow as a player and person. He really believes in me."

Q: “This past season on Hawk Hill was an up and down year. You had a big win at the beginning of the year over UCONN, battled top tier teams like Villanova and Florida closely, but got blown out a few games as well, especially when your squad played Temple. The team was decimated by injuries for most of the year. Can you go into what drove those inconsistencies though, or if you think it was strictly injury related?”

A: "I think any time you're in the reset mode with a program there will be ups and downs. Obviously, 6-26 was not a good record or indicator of success but I felt we got better. I think our depth hurt us too, as we did not really have a full roster from the start."

Q: “Like we just touched on before, this wasn’t the best season at SJU in recent memory as the team went 6-26. This year, if you return though could look a lot different. All-League caliber player Taylor Funk will return from injury, Gonzaga transfer Greg Foster will be eligible, local standout Damir Bishop transferred in from Xavier, and two new recruits in Jordan Hall, as well as Jadrian Tracey will give the team a lot more talent this year. I project, considering you return the Hawks could be an upper tier team in the A10. What do you think this upcoming season could look like in year two under Coach Lange?”

A: "I think it will be a different year. More bodies and more competitors should be able to put a better product on the floor. We definitely will work hard and I think our backcourt could be special. The new pieces along with Taylor’s return all will help. Should be able to rely on more balance which is coach’s dream."

Q: “This past season you hit one of the craziest shots in basketball history in a buzzer beater against Davidson to go into overtime. Can you just describe what was going through your head when that happened?”

A: "I really did not realize how crazy it was. Carter Collins from Davidson during overtime was like "you're about to be on top ten", and I didn't even realize how cool it was. But after the game I came back and had over 400 messages so I kind of realized it had a chance. It was wild and not many people can say they were number one on top ten. "

Q: “One of your best skills is knocking down the three point shot, which you did fifty-eight times this past season for the Hawks. How do you feel your ability to not just shoot the ball, but score from all three levels will translate to the next level?”

A: "I think I can really score the ball. Obviously my percentages were not super high but I think there's a few reasons for that. But all three years I have demonstrated a knack to get a shot and make them. So I hope coaches and other high level front office people realize that I can score fairly well."

Q: “What has been the main thing that you have heard from NBA front offices in terms of what they want to see you improve on, and improve as you get prepared to potentially go to the NBA?”

A: "Three point percentage and athleticism."

Q: “For a player that is regarded as one of the best scorers in the nation, taking a deeper look at your stats you are a very complete player. This past year to go with your 20.6 points per game, you also were one of the better rebounders and playmakers when it comes to assists on your team. How do you find that balance as a player to make sure that you are considered an “all-around” type of guy, rather than a one trick pony?”

A: "I have always prided myself on rebounding because in my mind, if a 6’4 kid can average six or seven boards a game, and I think it shows outsiders that I play hard. Playing hard is all I ever cared about, not the points or anything. As far as assists go, I never was the predominant ball handler on any team until this year. It was a learning curve but I could not have led the team in assists unless my teammates made the shots so I owe them a lot for being great players."

Q: “Last question here before we wrap up this interview, I wanted to thank you again for taking time for this interview, Ryan. With, or without Ryan Daly in the fold, what do you see as the future of St. Joseph Hawk Basketball for the long-term future of the program?”

A: "I think SJU becomes a local force and begins to churn out tournament births frequently."