DeAndre "Dre" Mathieu worked himself from overlooked high school recruit from Knoxville, Tenn., to Junior College All-American to NIT National Champion starting point guard for Minnesota.
He battled against the nation's best basketball competition in the Big Ten, got his degree and also raised a son, Elijah, while on campus.
Dre is the epitome of perseverance.
After graduating from Minnesota in 2015, he set his sights on playing professional basketball.
He signed with an agent. But that agent never held up his end of the bargain, leaving Dre in Knoxville wondering when his break would come.
Finally free of that contract, he is putting his trust in a closer circle.
He trains in Knoxville.
Works in Knoxville.
Lives in Knoxville.
And now, he needs his city to get him a second chance.
Dre must play in Las Vegas from July 9-15 at multiple exposure camps for NBA D-League and Overseas Leagues coaches, scouts and agents.
One of the camps (www.WSMInvitational.com) has placed 88 percent of its participants into professional basketball.
Dre has put in the work. He has lived in the gym, working on his craft and playing countless games. He has been training DAILY with renowned strength coach Charles Petrone (trainer to NFL Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith).
He's ready. He just needs our help.
I am Jesse Smithey, former Knoxville News Sentinel sportswriter (2002-14), and will be accompanying Mathieu to Vegas to talk with and distribute materials to coaches, execs, scouts and agents on Dre's behalf -- as well as setting up all flights, hotels and transportation through this GoFundMe account.
My research shows that Mathieu and I will need approximately $6,500 to stay from July 9-15. This includes flights, hotel rooms, food, registration fees and ground transportation.
Whatever you can give will be so appreciated. And in turn, you will know that you played a part when Dre makes it. What a feeling that will be for us all.
Help this young man achieve his dream, please.
Learn more about Dre by reading this awesome piece from Amelia Rayno of the The Minneapolis Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/deandre-mathieu-sees-a-full-court-press-at-every-turn-sept-7/274229861/
Here is a highlight of Dre from the Big Ten Network -- https://youtu.be/RoHg2cX5XB0
He battled against the nation's best basketball competition in the Big Ten, got his degree and also raised a son, Elijah, while on campus.
Dre is the epitome of perseverance.
After graduating from Minnesota in 2015, he set his sights on playing professional basketball.
He signed with an agent. But that agent never held up his end of the bargain, leaving Dre in Knoxville wondering when his break would come.
Finally free of that contract, he is putting his trust in a closer circle.
He trains in Knoxville.
Works in Knoxville.
Lives in Knoxville.
And now, he needs his city to get him a second chance.
Dre must play in Las Vegas from July 9-15 at multiple exposure camps for NBA D-League and Overseas Leagues coaches, scouts and agents.
One of the camps (www.WSMInvitational.com) has placed 88 percent of its participants into professional basketball.
Dre has put in the work. He has lived in the gym, working on his craft and playing countless games. He has been training DAILY with renowned strength coach Charles Petrone (trainer to NFL Pro Bowl safety Harrison Smith).
He's ready. He just needs our help.
I am Jesse Smithey, former Knoxville News Sentinel sportswriter (2002-14), and will be accompanying Mathieu to Vegas to talk with and distribute materials to coaches, execs, scouts and agents on Dre's behalf -- as well as setting up all flights, hotels and transportation through this GoFundMe account.
My research shows that Mathieu and I will need approximately $6,500 to stay from July 9-15. This includes flights, hotel rooms, food, registration fees and ground transportation.
Whatever you can give will be so appreciated. And in turn, you will know that you played a part when Dre makes it. What a feeling that will be for us all.
Help this young man achieve his dream, please.
Learn more about Dre by reading this awesome piece from Amelia Rayno of the The Minneapolis Star Tribune:
http://www.startribune.com/deandre-mathieu-sees-a-full-court-press-at-every-turn-sept-7/274229861/
Here is a highlight of Dre from the Big Ten Network -- https://youtu.be/RoHg2cX5XB0