NEAL MAKES HISTORY, NETS 1,000-POINTS IN BASKETBALL CAREER

WESTON, Mass.—Being the first to do something can say a great deal about a person—that they worked harder, deserved to be the first to do it, or even that it was just meant to be that person. For Derrick Neal it seems that all three of those were the case in setting the first major milestone in his career, and for the Regis College men’s basketball team.

In his four years at Regis College, thinking back to a freshman, he was often one of a few guys that seemed to always be in the gym. And by always, I literally mean always. A soft-spoken kid from Boston, Mass., Neal graduated from Brighton High School where he led the Brighton Bengal’s against area powerhouses like Madison Park and Charlestown.

Back then he finished his career 40-points shy of 1,000, due to losing in a semifinal playoff game. But on Tuesday (Dec. 7) night Neal etched his name as the first 1,000-point scorer in Regis College men’s basketball history.

“I was nervous,” Neal said of the impending milestone. It is difficult to think of a guy nicknamed “Smooth” as being nervous. More often the nickname refers to the lefties shooting stroke, but at times you could use it define his normal demeanor.

“I knew coming in as a freshman that after four years this could be a possibility,” Neal says in a modest tone

Another aspect of Neal’s personality that makes him so deserving of being the first, is that he is humbled by the achievement, and recognizes that there was more to this than just what he was able to do.

“I’ve had a lot of support from friends, family, and staff, but I really have to thank my team,” said Neal. “I know it’s an individual award, but I really have to thank them, it has all been overwhelming.”

Head coach Nate Hager is the first men’s basketball coach, and coming into a predominantly freshman team had to have its questions. But regardless of what the questions might have been, Hager answered them by setting a foundation, by building a team.

“He’s not only about basketball, he has taught me about respect, responsibility, and being accountable for your actions,” Neal says of Hager’s influence on him.

“It’s also part of being a team,” said Neal; a value that Hager has continuously instilled into his program. “I’ve loved being around a bunch of guys that enjoy the same thing (basketball) that I do.”

Similar to the hard work that Neal has put in on the court, the hospitality management major plans to eventually pursue his own business, but is looking forward to getting into the hospitality profession and learning the industry from the ground up.

Neal has helped Regis College reach one of its best starts since 2007, and he will look to continue helping his teammates this season. Regis College will compete in the Salem State Classic (Dec. 28-29), before returning to its home court Jan. 5 to face Western Connecticut State at 7:30 p.m.