Student who has real star quality on and off the court
HE is the basketball star who is plotting a galaxy.
In fact it would seem the sky is the limit for Northumbria University student and Newcastle Eagles’ player Danny Horta-Darrington.
The ambitious physics and astrophysics undergraduate is determined to reach his goals on and off the court.
The 21-year-old will not rest until he has helped his team-mates to bring back silverware to Sport Central and proved his academic work is first-class.
However, Horta-Darrington admits he needs all the help he can get - with university exams and the British Basketball League play-offs looming large.
The forward said: “If it was not for the Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme I would struggle to keep everything on track.
“Through the scheme I have had support with health and fitness problems and advice on time management. Thankfully everything is going OK right now.
“At the moment I am trying to figure out how to plot a galaxy using a software programme.
“It is pretty complicated and not the kind of thing I can talk to my team-mates about!
“I also have exams at the end of the academic year so preparing for them as well as plotting my galaxy and playing for the Eagles means things can get pretty crazy.”
TASS identifies rising stars attempting to juggle academic studies with top level sport and Horta-Darrington is typical of the student athlete the Sport Englandbacked organisation helps most.
Based in Newcaste - but with a national remit - its supporters include former Gateshead Harrier and Olympic triple jump champion Jonathan Edwards.
Horta-Darrington added: “I am committed to classes at Northumbria University as well as training and school visits with the Eagles.
“The lifestyle support I receive from TASS is therefore invaluable.” DANNY Horta-Harrington is a real prize guy - and it is a case of hard work paying off for the 21-year-old.
The up-and-coming Newcastle Eagles basketball player was one of 16 young sports stars presented with Rising Stars of Sport Awards at Sport Newcastle’s annual dinner at Newcastle Civic Centre last month.
The physics and astrophysics undergraduate at Northumbria University said: “I had no idea about the award and being nominated but it is a great achievement which I am very proud of.”
Horta-Darrington played a range of sports as a youngster but added: “Out of all the sports I played basketball was the one I fell in love with and continue to play today.
“I began playing when I was just nine and have kept on going to this day, playing for 12 years.
“I love the sport and dream of playing in Europe in the future.”
At the beginning of the 2015/16 season versatile forward Horta-Darrington was promoted to the Eagles’ first team after joining their School of Excellence from Spain, where he spent most of his school life.
He was nominated for his award by basketball coach Ian Macleod, who said: “Danny has worked incredibly hard to earn his chance with the professional team.
“I coached him as an under-18 player in our academy and he has shown a great deal of determination to progress as a player.”
“I am always very proud when players progress through the ranks within our programme.
“Danny in particular has shown maturity to not only excel in basketball but to achieve academically and balance studies with playing.”
Macleod believes his protege has a bright future ahead of him, adding: “Danny has given himself every chance to become an integral part of the Eagles team.
“There is no great formula for achievement in professional sport, hard work and commitment are key.
“There will be plenty of challenges ahead for Danny and he needs to welcome them and stay motivated.”
Marc Steutel, head basketball coach at Northumbria University said: “Danny has developed his basketball skills so much since joining Northumbria.
“His combined development as a student athlete at the highest level with the Eagles and Northumbria has been very positive.
“Danny is an extremely hard worker and commits himself fully to all aspects of his development.
“He is a credit to himself and the programme.
“I am really excited to see how his career progresses and I am sure he will be a massive success!”
Horta-Darrington was given the opportunity to represent the Eagles at the Under-17s National Regional Tournament hosted by Basketball England.
The event offers England coaches the opportunity to assess the ability of young players and consider them for national team selection.
Horta-Darrington also enjoyed success with the Eagles’ Under-18s School of Excellence programme, representing Newcastle for two years and becoming an integral part of the team.
The squad competed in the Basketball England Junior National League and travelled across the country to face teams such as Manchester, Sheffield, Cheshire and Nottingham.
Now Horta-Darrington is continuing to push for more minutes with the most successful franchise in BBL history.
However, he added: “As the young guy on the team I have to put in more work that the other guys just to give myself a chance of getting noticed and getting court time.
“I also have to fulfil my commitments in the community.
“Every Tuesday I have to leave class early but because I am part of the TASS programme there is a recognition I am trying to juggle my on-court and off-court commitments as best I can.”