Checking in with Demetrius Mims
In a new series here at Prep Hoops Maryland, we’ll be checking in with former high school stars of last year to see how they are adjusting to the college life and game. The majority of the 2018 class who signed with Division I programs had the opportunity to go to campus in June to begin summer classes and workouts with the team’s staff.
We kick things off with former Poly guard Demetrius Mims. Mims was a standout as the Engineers won back-to-back 3A state championships. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds, one assist, one block and one steal in the final two games of his senior campaign to lead Poly to their second title last season. Mims took his talents across the United States to Long Beach State in California. We caught up with Mims to see how he is adjusting.
PH: What has the college experience been like for you so far?
DM: “I mean since I’ve been out here I’ve been getting up shots late night every night and just working on my game. I have a lot more time to just focus on myself and my future, so I’ve just been trying to take advantage of all of the resources I have here.”
PH: How have the workouts been going for you?
DM:“The workouts and practices started out real tough for me like with the endurance and all that other stuff, but I’ve been here for a little over a month now and I’m getting used to it. I’m scoring easier and my game is starting to translate more so I feel like I’m adjusting to it.”
PH: What are the biggest adjustments you’ve had to make to your game and what’s the biggest difference from high school to college ball?
DM: “In high school I could really get my shot off whenever I wanted. High school wasn’t really challenging for me, but at the college level every move I make has to be with a purpose or there’s going to be an athlete at the rim that’s going to block your shot or take the ball from you. So I’ve been working on being a lot smarter with the ball and use my athleticism to my advantage to really rise up to shoot over people whereas in high school, I didn’t have to as much.”
PH: Who are some guys that have helped you adjust to the life out at Long Beach State?
DM: “My guy Temy Yussuf is the guy who walked me through everything when I took my official out here so that’s been my guy for a while. If I ever feel down during a practice or my energy isn’t as high, he’ll always pick me up. Colin Slater is a transfer so I won’t be able to play with him this year, but he’s a real leader at the point guard position. Deishaun Booker is a leader at the point guard position too, so having those guys who constantly encourage my game and lead by example is making the process a lot easier.”
PH: How have you been adjusting to the coaches and their style?
DM: “My first two or three weeks out here, the individual workouts were really challenging for me. It’s been a challenge in a sense that I haven’t been pushed at this level ever before. Little things like staying low before you catch the ball to shoot and getting game shots all throughout practice, It’s never cruising through anything. You have to go game speed and everything is done with a purpose. I’ve been working on getting ready to play with in-game drills and I’ve been adjusting to it pretty well.”
PH: Have the coaches explained to you what role you’ll fill?
DM: “To be honest, I don’t know what my role is going to be. Coach Scholl, the assistant head coach, recruited me and he always embraced my ability to score. So that’s what I plan on doing as well as being a perimeter defender. I hold a lot of pride in my defense, so I feel like it’ll transfer over pretty well to the college game. I don’t know if I’ll start or come off the bench, but either way I’m just ready to make an impact for this team.”
PH: Hows the California lifestyle treating you?
DM: “It’s a big difference from Baltimore and to be honest, my accent is starting to change a little bit (laughs). California is real different in the sense that 85-90 percent of the people out here are way nicer than the people back home. I love Baltimore, but when you walk around you know it’s a hostile environment, so whenever I was walking around I had to be alert. I’m still alert because of where I’m from, but in California you don’t walk passed many people here without them saying hello or asking how you are. It’s very welcoming here.”