Everyone at media
day was talking about how this team is going to the playoffs. Other than the obvious personnel changes, what feels different about this team?
Denzel Valentine: “I feel like we got a little more experience with everybody. We’re really deep this year. I think we’re all going to come in and compete. We’re all competitive guys; we’re all hardworking guys; everybody is pretty much a high-character guy. That all leaks into a winning team, and so the sky’s the limit for us.”
How did you unwind this offseason?
DV: “I went to Hawaii for the first time, took my family there. We spent about a week there in Maui, and that was cool. We’re probably going to do that every year, hopefully.”
What did you do there?
DV: “Just kicked it with the family, spent some time on the beach. We stayed in a resort, so we just kind of kicked back, did some things, went on a boat. We just had fun. It was cool.”
Your brother, Drew, is entering his third season as an assistant coach at Loyola. What’s it like to have him in town with you?
DV: “It’s great because it brings all my family here, and it’s kind of like a family thing. He goes to my games, I go to his games, and it’s kind of like when we grew up — go to his games, go to my games type of deal. So it just brings the family together, and with him being here, he gives me advice. And he’s a coach, so he’s coaching me and critiquing me, too, so that helps out, too.”
Is it ever annoying to have your brother pick apart your game?
DV: “No, it’s all helpful. I never look at it like that because he always has my best interests at heart. So it’s actually a blessing to have him here.”
What’s something you do on the side to occupy your time?
DV: “I make music on the side.”
Do you have a Soundcloud or something you want to plug?
DV: “Not yet. I was planning on doing that within the next couple of years, just depending on what’s going on. But I’ve got a studio at home. I’m working on music and stuff.”
Do you produce it and everything?
DV: “No, I just rap.”
Can you give us a preview right now?
DV: “I might sneak a song or two during the year, something like that.”
If you could have any musician be on a track with you, who would you have?
DV: “Drake. Definitely Drake.”
What’s your favorite Drake song?
DV: “Oh, that’s a tough question. He’s got a lot of good songs. My favorite Drake song, I’d probably say ‘Furthest Thing.’ ”
If you could only have one streaming service for the rest of your life, which one would you pick?
DV: “Probably Apple Music. I definitely need my music in my life.”
Are you watching anything on Netflix right now?
DV: “I just got done with ‘Stranger Things.’ I like that show. ‘Explained,’ too. It talks about everything. That show’s decent. I’ve got to come up with a new show to watch. I’m into ‘Power,’ too, though.”
What’s your go-to cheat meal? chicken wings,
DV: “Some sweet yams and mac ’n’ cheese.” ✶