Traynham Decides to be a Minuteman

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Smart, tough guard headed to A-10

February 1, 2010 - Daryl Traynham, the 5'9", 155 pound senior point guard at Wise High School (MD) his headed to UMass for college. Several things keyed his decision.

"Basically Antwon (Jackson, UMass assistant coach) was a key factor" shared Traynham, recently back from his official visit, of why the Minutemen were chosen. "Derek Kellogg (head coach) made me feel comfortable this weekend, I trust him. I like the direction of the program".

Daryl Traynham as a freshman at Wise (front, right). After a couple of transfers...

UMass's up and down, drive and kick style of play also was a plus, as was his familiarity with a number of players on the roster. "Actually they have Javon Farrell" a former teammate with DC Assault (AAU), he noted, "that was a key factor. He showed me a great ime when i was up there. Terrell (Vinson) and Ricky Harris, I know them real well".

The last two are from Baltimore, and rounding out the DC-B'More connection at UMass is Raphiael Putney, a freshman redshirt.

Kellogg et al lured Traynham away from Western Kentucky and Seton Hall, who offered scholarships, and Miami, a school that was recruiting him. Conference wise, Daryl thinks his choice of the Atlantic 10 is solid, as it's "the 5th best conference in the country".

What did these schools see in Daryl?

"He's a high caliber guard, very aggressive going to the hole" opined O.J. Johnson, his coach a Wise. "He plays tough defense...is very heady, has a great basketball I.Q.".

For the season, Traynham is providing 22 points, five assists, four rebounds and 3.5 steals for the Pumas.

...He's returned to Wise as senior, a more mature and complete ball player and guy.

Over the course of four years of watching Daryl, this writer has observed the point guard make crafty play after crafty play, things such as drawing charges, hacks, or blocking fouls. He's shrewd on the court. (see MNHC Finals report)

"Being small, you have to find away to impact the game" he said when asked about his penchant to make these subtle yet important contributions, which can be dubbed 'sneaky plays'. "You have to be sneaky when you are small on the court".

When asked his senior season goals at Wise, there was nothing subtle about Traynham's answer: "I'm trying to lead them to a state championship".

Hats off to Daryl, who has persevered through thick and thin, earning a college scholarship.

"I think it's a good fit" Johnson said of the choice. "I'm going to come in a battle for a spot" shared Traynham of his expectations.

He's got the opportunity and ability, to do so.