by By Dan Ninham
DanQuez Dawsey, 18, is from Lawton, OK and is a senior at MacArthur HS.
“I am Comanche,” said DanQuez.
DanQuez started playing basketball in the first grade. He ended his high school career as a McDonald’s All American nominee with over 1500 points, 500 rebounds and 250 assists. He was a 2021 OK All-State Large West and OK Native All State team member.
“I played at the YMCA as a first grader,” said DanQuez. “I really liked playing basketball and being able to do that is special for me, because I love the sport and I work on my game every day.”
“My family inspires me because they work hard for what they want and need,” said DanQuez. “They influence me because I see them work hard for themselves and it pushes me to work hard for what I want.”
“DanQuez had this drive ever since he was around three year’s old,” said mom Lisa Dawsey. “He stayed inside a gym constantly watching his two older brothers play basketball. He was playing sports at the age of four with the military and YMCA whether it was flag football, contact football, and basketball. He was always competitive and he was determined to win.”
“We have always taught our boys to play their best and never settle for second best so the drive has been consistent. DanQuez hates losing and it shows over the years when he was in those types of situations playing AAU basketball or high school ball. He is in a leadership course his senior year and has shown true leadership throughout the community, school, and with his family,” added Lisa.
“We went on a visit to a college recently and the assistant coach said he had heard nothing but great things regarding our son,” said Lisa. “The coach said normally you get a response like he is a great kid but … and he did not get that type of response regarding DanQuez. We were so proud to hear that from a stranger and it made us feel great as parents, knowing we have instilled good manners and ways in conducting yourself with others.”
“We know DanQuez wanted to set the bar high when he was determined to set his stats high and a record at MacArthur HS,” said Lisa. “He wants others to set high standards and achieve those goals for athletes who want to further their athletics while attending college or going overseas. Never settle and be different is what we teach our kids and while DanQuez has shown he can that is one of his quotes as well.”
DanQuez signed to attend and play basketball at the University of Central Oklahoma. Head Men’s Coach Bob Hoffman talked about his recruit: “We are very excited to have DanQuez join our program. He has a great skill set that will fit perfectly the style of play we are implementing at UCO. He is a very unselfish player that could score every trip. He finds ways to get all those around him involved in the game. His offense is very good and his toughness and defense is what I believe will give him the opportunity to contribute right away for our team.”
“I love how he puts his team in a position to win. When you add his upbringing and coaching he has received from an early age including playing against his older brothers you know why he is a winner,” added Coach Bob.
“I am working out every day and staying in the gym lifting and working on my craft as a basketball player,” said DanQuez.
Photo Credit: Dakotah Wahkinney
