Springfield News Sun: Dyshawn Pierre of Whitby, Ontario, has had vast international experience in basketball, and he’s found one facet of his game is appreciated wherever he goes.

The 6-foot-6 forward, who signed a national letter-of-intent with the University of Dayton on Monday, entered a dunk contest while playing in Italy last September and emerged with the title.
“I did an off-the-backboard windmill,” he said. “I tried to go through my legs a couple times, but it was the last day and my legs were too tired. I did do some 360-off-the-backboard dunks, and luckily I was able to get it done.”

Asked if he might try to go between his legs if he has a breakaway jam for UD next season, Pierre chuckled and said: “That’s a little more risky. I think I’ll just go for the two points off a layup.”

Pierre may be able to play above the rim, but it’s his solid all-around game that was most impressive to the UD coaches. He helped the Canadian 17-and-under team to a bronze medal in the FIBA World Championships in 2010, and he established himself as a rising star in his country during the U-19 games last summer.

Read more...