Article 183: Samson to let his hair down

April 22, 2011

In biblical references, Samson had supernatural strength as a function of his hair. Next year, point guard Samson Donick from Redwood High will be letting his hair down sort of as he will be a key starter in powering the Giants. As a sophomore this past year, Donick was critical in helping his team to a 17-12 record that ended in a playoff loss to Las Lomas 57-56.

This 2013 guard is a diverse player that can do a variety of things on the court. On offense, he has a respectable perimeter shot but passes and rebounds well. He is a tireless defender who challenges himself to shut other players down. Donick considers himself to be a strong scorer, ball handler, passer, and rebounder with the ability to create and make my team around me better.

At 6-foot-1 and 170 pounds, Donick projects into the size of a prototypical point guard. He will be working on his all around game and conditioning during this offseason. In addition, he will be playing for the Bay Area Warriors for this upcoming summer season.

Bay Area Warriors Coach Randy Bessolo says, "Samson is a great penetrator and uses his quickness and strength to get to the rim and finish. He is also a very aggressive defender and is super pressuring the ball in particular. He has a very good jumper with a quick release from 3-point range. He is a great competitor or what I like to call a baller. Plays to win and will dive on loose balls and bang with competitors no matter how big they are. He is fearless."

Donick considers his best offensive skills to be taking care of the ball and to create by finishing or passing. Defensively, he is a good on the ball defender. He characterizes his game as a playmaker because he likes to create for himself and his teammates.

Donick has playing organized basketball since he was six and was brought up to varsity as a freshman for the playoffs. He started in all his sophomore playoff games. He hopes that the early varsity and playoff experience will allow his Giants to win the MCAL league next year while making a deep run in the playoffs.

Coach Bessolo says, "Samson has a lot of confidence and ambition, but balances it with a warm sense of humor. He is a great prospect for good academic D1 schools (such as Ivy and Patriot League programs). He needs to focus on thinking the game from the point guard perspective so he can be combo guard. He is smart and hard-working and will be successful on and off the court."

Donick is looking for an up-tempo, fast-breaking, and free-flowing offense, yet tough defensively minded college program. He feels that he would thrive best in a hardworking, hard-nosed program. He prefers to be on either the east or west coast. Donick has a 4.00 GPA and also plays lacrosse. He is looking for a good academic college with a strong business or law program.

For Redwood to have another successful year, Donick will need to perform at another level. He will get a good start with his Bay Area Warriors club team. If Donick lets his hair down sort to speak, then good things should happen for the Giants next season.