Catching up with ProCanes: Durand Scott

Durand Scott
Enel Brindisi, Italy

How has your life changed since going pro?
My life has changed a lot. Many things are different here, it changes you as a person because you have to adapt to new things: Eating, living, playing, etc. You have to be mentally strong to play overseas because it takes you out of your comfort zone.

What is the adjustment like living in another country?
Learning the language is an adjustment, which causes less time to create togetherness. But usually after your rookie season, it gets easier to adapt to everything.

Are there any veterans that have helped you along?
There are many vets I’ve met on my four year journey overseas. All of them have taught me many things like how to make my time easier over here, and always to keep a goal in mind. It’ll help drive you to the top.

What do you miss most about Miami basketball?
I miss everything: Mostly, all of my teammates, the staff and the fans. It was the best four years of my life.

Who do you still keep in contact with from The U?
I still speak with Malcom Grant, Julian Gamble, DeQuan Jones, Adrian Thomas, Reggie Johnson, Garrius Adams, Eric Swoope, James Dews, Trey McKinney Jones, Angel Rodriguez and Davon Reed.

What was the first thing you bought after receiving your first paycheck?
My first paycheck? I saved it. (he laughed) I saved until I felt comfortable enough to spend, then I bought my mother an expensive bag.

What is your pregame meal like?
Our pregame meal is almost similar to college. Pasta, chicken, rice, salad and meat. But of course, for home games, I cook on my own.

What is the difference between overseas ball and ACC basketball?
The difference between the leagues are style of play and referees for sure, (he laughed).

What did your time at Miami teach you?
I loved learning so many things while attending Miami, from the moment I stepped on campus until the point I left. It’s the place where I matured and became a man. Coach L has been a big part of that. He showed me how to carry myself, how to sacrifice, how to work harder than I already did. He taught me how to be a professional at everything and not just what’s important to me. He taught me how to smile and only he would know what I meant. My teammates were a great big deal of that also, especially players like Julian Gamble, who has always been there for me. I would do anything to play with those guys again, even the ones I don’t talk to anymore. Sometimes I wonder if they think how much I miss them, because they created some of the best memories I’ve ever had.

And to the fans and student support – thank you as well. You were there every minute of the way. I guess I’m actually just saying … THANK YOU UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI!!!