WS Chronicle

It was a day of celebration last week inside the gymnasium at Glenn High School as senior guard Rachard Daniels signed his national letter of intent to attend Guilford College.

Daniels will join a Guilford team that finished the 2016-2017 season with an outstanding 24-6 record and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC) Tournament Championship. The Quakers also managed to advance to the second round of the Division II NCAA Tournament.

“It feels good know that I get to go to college and have the opportunity to play basketball at the college level,” said Daniels. “This is like a dream come true.”

Just before he signed the dotted line to continue his athletic career, Daniels, who plans to major in criminal justice, said the family like atmosphere is what made Guilford standout above the rest. He also received offers from Johnson C. Smith University (JSCU), and several other schools, including another school that competes in ODAC, the same as Guilford.  During his senior season, Daniels’ numbers show he is the type of player who can get it done on both ends of the court averaging 13 points and nearly three steals per game. He managed to bring down seven rebounds per game.

He said, “I was getting looks from a school in Wisconsin and a school in Virginia that’s also in the ODAC but after a training session at Guilford, I knew it was the right fit for me.”

Daniels’ father, Richard Daniels Sr., said he was proud of the commitment and dedication that his son has shown over the years to reach his goal of becoming a college athlete. “Rachard has overcome a lot of obstacles and to see him have this opportunity brings tears to my eyes. Just because I know what he had to do and the commitment that he’s put into getting better.”

Glenn assistant coach and Rachard Daniels’ older brother Richard Daniels Jr., who played at Johnson C. Smith University, said although he chose Guilford over his own alma mater, he supports his brother’s decision to become a Quaker instead of a Golden Bull. He said, “I think Smith is a good option, too, but I think Guilford is a great choice. Anywhere you can get a free education is a great choice.” 

From the hardwood of local YMCA’s where their father works as an administrator, to the bright lights of collegiate competition, Rachard Daniels’ biggest fan and critic, said it has been exciting to see his younger brother develop as a leader on and off the court.

“He has started to develop those leadership qualities that you need to be successful in basketball and life,” Richard Daniels Jr. said. “Now he’s going to have to go to college and start over. It’s going to be a new journey for him, some new obstacles, and he’s going to grow into a man; that’s what’s most important.” 

When asked what he will add to the Quakers lineup next season, Rachard Daniels seemed confident that he can come in and make an immediate impact, but he knows it will only come with hard work. This summer, he said, he plans to work on his jump shot and getting stronger.

“Most teams are looking for an all-around player, and I think that’s something I can add to their guard play,” continued Rachard Daniels. “I can’t wait to get on campus and get to work.”