EuroLeague - Focus on Tremmel Darden

PurpleEagles.com caught up with Niagara men's basketball alum Tremmell Darden, who is sixth on the all-time scoring list with 1,729 points.

Darden (2000-04) earned Second Team All-MAAC honors as a junior and a senior after claiming third team accolades as a sophomore. Darden played in two MAAC Championship games, and helped the 2003-04 team earn an NIT berth. The Purple Eagles defeated Troy State in the NIT opening round with Darden scoring 26 points in the win. He totaled 62 points in the MAAC Tournament during his senior campaign, earning MAAC All-Tournament Team honors.

He has played for legendary clubs like Real Madrid (Spain) and Olympiacos (Greece) while winning championships in five different countries: Belgian Championship (2008); Australian Championship (2009); French Championship (2011); Spanish Championship (2013); Copa Del Rey winner (2014); Greek Champions (2015).

PE.com: Why did you decide to attend Niagara University? 
TD: The basketball coaching staff at the time were the only people who expressed a genuine interest in me as a person, scholar and athlete. 

PE.com: What was your major? 
TD: I was a marketing major.  

PE.com: What was your most memorable moment at Niagara?
TD: Either my first time driving on campus with my granny & auntie to begin my university journey or the first time it snowed my freshman year. I ran down stairs and played in the snow by myself. I had never been in heavy snow before. 

PE.com: What was your most memorable game at Niagara?
TD: Our first NIT game against Troy my senior year is a memorable game because it was our first postseason appearance in my time at there and coach challenged me to play better in order for us to get the victory, which we did!!

PE.com: How did attending Niagara University prepare you in your career (on and off the court)? 
TD: Off the court, one of my business professors (Pikas) gave me insight on dealing with foreign cultures. How I need to be open minded to the way things are done in the country and make the proper adjustments. On the court, to work hard and know where all five players are and what they should be doing while on the court. 

PE.com: Where are you now? 
TD: I'm currently at home in Las Vegas as a free agent. Preparing for wherever God leads me next. 

PE.com: How many teams have you played for?
TD: I've played for 10 teams in 11 seasons: Erdemir (Turkey), Leuven and Charleroi both in Belgium, Melbourne South Dragons (Australia), Strasboug and Nancy both in France, Malaga and Real Madrid (Spain), Zalgiris (Lithuania), Olympiacos (Greece). 

PE.com: What has been the most memorable moment of your professional career? 
TD: Winning the Australian league title and having the best game of the season in game 5 of the finals. Scoring 31 points in 3 quarters basically to help get the victory!

PE.com: What advice can you give to the current and future Purple Eagles basketball players?
TD: Niagara is the best place to improve as a person, student, and player because the campus size makes for a great family atmosphere. You get attention from the professors to help you grow in class and for life after school, easy interaction with students and the gym is always available so you can work as hard as possible to improve your game.