Sam Singer’s Road to Pac-12
Sam Singer’s Road to Pac-12
By Akilah Laster
Sam Singer, one of Miami’s top basketball prospects from one of its most elite academic schools will be attending one of the country’s top public universities. It makes sense, but it was not given, it was definitely earned.
The academic prestige of Ransom Everglades would likely have prepared Sam for the challenging curriculum at the University of California-Berkeley (Cal), but he chose to take a road less traveled.
“I picked Cal because it was the best situation for me athletically and academically,” Sam said. “It’s the number one public school in the country and plays in the PAC 12 so I’ll be playing at a high level and going to a great school.”
His passion for basketball translated into his dedication to develop holistically. It was this commitment and drive that allowed Sam to soar to higher heights.
“Day in and day out I’m motivated by a few things,” Sam said, “one is the fear of getting beaten out and not being good.”
Being from a smaller program, Sam knew he had to work overtime to prove he belonged on the courts with Miami’s elite.
“Being doubted since I was little has helped me because I have always wanted to prove to people that I can do something no one thought I could do,” Sam said. “I never want to say to myself that someone out worked me today.”
His desire to achieve more and develop further linked Sam with Dibia Athletic Development, who Sam credits for adding not only to his physical improvement, but his mental fortification.
“Dibia has done so much for me and I owe a lot to Coach Brandon,” Sam said. “I’ve learned life lessons from him. He has taught me how to go get what I want for myself and to never let anyone tell me I can’t do something.”
As his senior season ends, Sam plans to go out with a bang, starting with his upcoming game against long time rival Gulliver Academy. While the he prepares for the game like it’s any other, he can’t help but acknowledge the intensity the rivalry stimulates.
“The rivalry is such a great rivalry because all of the kids from both schools come out and it’s a fun atmosphere,” Sam said. “I have to control my emotions. That’s the only difference. I’m definitely going to miss it.”
