USADSF Chats with Patrick Danen, USA Deaf Basketball's Silky Center/Forward
(Photo courtesy U21 World Deaf Basketball Championships / DIBF)
LUBLIN, POLAND—The United States Men’s Deaf National Team faces Lithuania on Saturday for the Gold at the 2019 World Deaf Basketball Championships. USA’s 6’-7” center/forward Patrick Danen from De Pere, Wisconsin has played key minutes for the stars and stripes, averaging 10.8 points per game through the tournament. In addition, Danen starred on United States’ U-21 World Deaf Basketball Championship team that captured gold in Washington, D.C. in July 2018. Currently a rising sophomore at St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin, Danen is studying business administration. Last week, Danen spent a few moments to talk with USADSF about his journey and the tournament.
(Photo courtesy 2019 World Deaf Basketball Championships / DIBF)
USADSF: What was your journey like, from picking up a basketball to the final of the World Championships?
Patrick Danen: Basketball was always a part of my life. I have been playing competitive basketball since I was 7 years old. Growing up, I attended the local camps at my high school De Pere High School, as well as the college in my town, St. Norbert College. This will be my second year playing for USADB but my first year on the national team. My dad used to play in addition to helping me become the player I am today. He is my biggest supporter.
USADSF: How did you prepare for the World Championships?
Danen: I train roughly 2-3 hours each day. I lift weights and do core work every other day, cardio everyday, and shoot everyday while having Sunday as my off day.
USADSF: What’s your life like off the court?
Danen: I really enjoy playing baseball competitively but I do like to golf in my free time, or hang out with my friends and listen to music.
(Photo courtesy 2019 World Deaf Basketball Championships / DIBF)
USADSF: What are you looking forward to most about the World Deaf Basketball Championships?
Danen: I am looking forward to competing against other countries from around the world in addition to creating new friendships.
USA Faces Lithuania in the final of the World Deaf Basketball Championships on Saturday July 6th at 5pm Central European Summer Time / 11am EST / 8am PST.