Micheal Deloach is not your ordinary “country boy.” Even though he is from the small town of Rocky Mount, NC located right off of Interstate 95, do not let his country vernacular or appearance give you the impression that he’s just a little guy from the country. His work down in the Greater NC Pro-Am has merited attention and although he stands 6 feet 0 inches tall and weighs only 175 pounds soakin’ wet with 4 dollars in quarters in his pockets, I got gotta give you a little warning about this guy: (screaming very loud) DO NOT LET HIS STATURE FOOL YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!
While attending Norfolk State University, Michael Deloach Jackie Chan Chopped his MEAC (Mid Eastern Athletic Conference) foes. The Norfolk State University standout averaged 21.7 points per game. His points per game average ranked him at #11 in points per game average amongst the abundance amount of NCAA Division I Student-Athletes. His was ranked behind NBA 1st and 2nd Draft picks (Luke Harangody #10, Luke Babbitt #9 and Landry Fields #8).
After just doing literally what he wanted to do in the MEAC Conference, Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, Chavis Summer League and North Carolina Pro-AM, Deloach thought his services could have been used in the League. Deloach went undrafted in this past year NBA Draft. His grind, grit and hustle got him a contract playing for Siarka Tarnobrezg in Rzeczpospolita Polska. Deloach is playing in Poland everybody.
(Click on this video to see what I am talking about)
6\’0 Michael Deloach at NC Pro-Am:Best Player You Never Heard Of? (Norfolk State)
I finally caught up with Michael Deloach. We just chopped it up for a little bit. Check out our conversation:
Randy Millard: You played in the MEAC Conference. Do you think the MEAC Conference can become a powerhouse conference in the future and also attract some of these Top 100 recruits?
Michael Deloach: It will be hard because the Top 100 recruits look at “Big Time” programs with the most money first.
RM: What changes you think the MEAC Conference can make to attract these big time recruits?
MD: I think every team has to win more of those tough out of conference games, get into the NCAA tournament and win one of those games.
RM: Word on the streets is that North Carolina has some poppin’ Pro-Am leagues. Can you briefly talk about playing in the Chavis Summer League and in the North Carolina Pro-AM.
MD: They are both crazy! There be like 5,000 people coming to watch you play in a game. The North Carolina Pro-Am is like the Rucker of the South.
RM: When are you coming to the Big Apple? What tournaments/leagues you want to play in the Big Apple?
MD: If I have time, I am going to come up there this summer. I hear that there are a lot of good tournaments to play in up there. I need to find one quick because I want a nickname (laughs).
RM: (laughs) Why do you want a nickname (laughs)?
MD: All of the great ballplayers played in NY and received a nickname. I think it is only right that I do so too.
RM: I understand! You rubbed elbows with some of the best ballplayers in the country. What NBA/Overseas Pro came up to you and said “yo..you’re nice kid”?
MD: Man, a lot of them. There are so many to name. The person that sticks out the most was Jerry Stackhouse.
RM: Hold up! Did you play in that game when John Wall threw it on Jerry Stackhouse Adam’s Apple?
MD: No I didn’t play in that game. I was right there though. That’s when I knew John Wall was going to be a problem!
RM: Describe that moment for the Bounce Magazine readers please.
MD: Man it was crazy! I don’t even think that Stackhouse knew John Wall could jump like that. The crowd went crazy.
John Wall Over Jerry Stackhouse (Sorry Mr.Stackhouse)
RM:Every game you play, you make sure to let people know that you’re from Rocky Mount, North Carolina. How has being from that “small town” made your game better?
MD: It feels like I have my whole city behind me every time I play. I never played AAU Basketball. I didn’t even workout until I got to college. So my game just came from playing ball in my hood.
RM: Do you consider yourself a Street Ball player who just adjusted to the system?
MD: Yes indeed! You have to know the system to make it in the game of basketball.
RM: Where are you at right now?
MD: I am in Poland. I am blessed to continue my basketball career after college.
RM: How are you doing out there?
MD: I am doing great. It is my rookie year. So far it is a learning experience. It is quite different from college. I am liking it so far. I am still getting use to certain things though.
RM: You have garnered a lot of accolades while playing at Norfolk State University. What things do you think the NBA Scouts overlooked that cause you to go undrafted in this past year NBA Draft?
MD: I think the main thing was the school I attended. I think NBA teams don’t respect the MEAC Conference. Even though I still had great numbers and a great college career.
RM: What NBA team you think can use your services?
MD: I haven’t been watching the NBA games lately because of the time difference. I would say the Charlotte Bobcats.
RM: Why the Bobcats?
MD: I am from North Carolina so that is one and secondly why not me? I am a fast scoring guard. I can bring a lot to that system.
RM: What is or was your biggest basketball achievement that made you into a better person on the court but most importantly off of the court?
MD: I would say playing on the pro level. I have always dream and wanted to play on the pro level. I have always dreamed about getting paid for something that I am good at. All of the hard work payed off. It shows that by working hard and putting God first everything will work out. It doesn’t matter where you from. You can do anything you want. Who would have thought the Li’l Guard from Rocky Mount will be playing pro basketball somewhere.
RM: Any shout outs.
MD: I just want to shout out my hood Southside Rocky Mount, my family and Norfolk State University. Lastly, my state…North Carolina.
Now this is what you call MOEIVATION !
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