695: How old were you when you got involved with basketball?
Dajah: I was 6 years old when I first started to play basketball. I played co-ed in the Liberty Road Rec. Program.
695: Where did you grow up?
Dajah: I grew up and still live in Randallstown, MD.
695: Which AAU teams have you played for?
Dajah: I have played for many teams in my basketball career. I played for the MD Lady Tigers, Baltimore Cougars/ Sam Cassell All Stars, Team Sol, MD Sure Shots, Baltimore's Charm, Alana Beard's Future, and most recently, MD Elite and Team Takeover.
695: What made you choose McDonogh for high school?
Dajah: I chose McDonogh for a high school because I love the family atmostphere and emphasis on academics. When I first shadowed at McDonogh, I felt comfortable. All of the coaches, faculty, staff, and students were very friendly and welcoming. I was amazed at how the teachers made learning fun. I also thought that all of the sports teams at McDonogh were great (girls basketball in particular). I had the opportunity to see some of the teams in action, and I saw all around success, respect, and teamwork. Not to mention, it's very close to my home.
695: What position are you most comfortable playing?
Dajah: I am comfortable playing the 1, 2, 3 and 4 positions. I started out as a point guard (one of the tallest for my age). My height gave me a huge advantage and at times a disadvantage. I was able to dribble the ball and pass really well, but I was no longer needed as a point guard (growing kind of slowed me down). I then moved to the 2, 3, and 4 positions. Occasionally I will bring the ball up the court and start an offense, but now my forte is playing the wing positions and being a scorer.
695: What do you need to work on with your game?
Dajah: The main thing that I need to work on is aggressivness. I am very capable getting to the basket or shooting a jump shot, but I have to work on driving in more aggressively and finishing.
695: What are your goals for this season?
Dajah: My goals for my freshman season are to average at least 10 points per game, 5 steals per game, 5 assists per game, and 3 blocks per game. My ultimate goal for this year is to dunk the basketball. I know you're probobly like, this girl is crazy, but I am striving to increase my vertical jump and successfully perform a dunk in a game during THIS season.
695: What was the highlight of the summer for you?
Dajah: The highlight of my summer was when I went to USJN Boo Williams in Hampton Virgina. I traveled to this tournament with MD Elite. The thing that stood out about this tournament was that I was not afraid to be great. I did some very good things in other tournaments, but my skills were really showcased at this particular one. I played very good basketball. It feels like, since then, I have been more confident.
695: Tell me about a funny AAU road trip...
Dajah: There have been many funny AAU trips, but the one I remember the most is when I played for the Baltimore Cougars. We went to the 9 and under nationals in Fort Myers, FL. We were in the car and we heard the song "Party Like A Rockstar". The whole team, including Coach Greg Hinton, was singing and dancing in the truck. As we were sitting at the stop light, many other drivers were looking at us like we were crazy.
695: What do you do besides play ball for fun?
Dajah: Outside of playing basketball, I do a lot of things. I love music. I sing on the church choir and for my school's concert choir. I also play the keyboard. I write songs, and I'm actually teaching myself how to DJ. I love playing video games, hanging out with my friends, and going laser tagging. I started playing volleyball this year, and made the varsity team as a starting middle blocker. I love it. It's so much fun!
695: Who is the funniest teammate you ever had?
Dajah: The funniest teammate I have ever had is Lindsey Edwards. She is always energetic and always smiling. She's also very intelligent, so we share academic humor. When we see each other, the first thing we say is "Get 'Um" and then start laughing. If you ever need someone to make you laugh or smile, you can count on Lindsey.
695: What is your favorite food and who do you like to cook it?
Dajah: My favorite food is white rice and general tzo's chicken. I love to have it cooked by China Wok in Owings Mills, MD.
695: What artists do you listen to on your Ipod?
Dajah: I listen to many different artists on my ipod. Currently, my favorit artist is Skrillex. I listen to Skrillex before every game and it pumps me up and gets me ready to play. I am a fan of Hip Hop, Pop, Dance, and R&B. I love Drake, Beyonce, Big Sean, Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, and LMFAO.
695: Talk about your recruiting process and how you chose East Carolina...
Dajah: I would first like to thank all of the college coaches who showed interest and took the time to talk and get to know me over the past few years. I thought the recruiting process was very exciting, but also a little stressful at times. The most difficult part for me was remembering to play my game instead of wondering what college coaches were looking for. I am fortunate to have coaches and a strong support system helping me through this process. I know that the process isn't over. I have a number of things to work on in my game to prepare myself for the next level. I chose East Carolina University because they offer my major, I have an opportunity to obtain my bachelors degree in 3 years, and the campus is beautiful. I also chose ECU because I get the chance to contribute to a great D1 program that is run by an amazing and passionate coaching staff. The coaches and players were very inviting, and I felt at home playing in Minges Coliseum. Coach Macy and the coaching staff are so "down to earth" and motivating, and I can't wait to play for them. #2FTN (Two Feet In).
695: Thanks again.
Dajah: Thank you for giving me this opportunity.