Jan. 9, 2003
By Steve Leslie, Villanova Media Relations
Derrick Snowden stepped off the court against Temple in the NIT Tournament a year ago as a sophomore guard and go to guy for Villanova. During the summer months since, the Wildcat team he was finally growing accustomed to was changing. Coach Jay Wright brought in his first recruiting class on the Main Line and added depth, talent, and youth to the lineup. Snowden started to realize that his role on the team could be very different come the start of the 2002-03 season. One thing remained the same. Snowden is still a go to guy for the 'Cats, except they go to him now for leadership.
"Now I can't be worried about myself as much as I was in the past because I have people looking up to me now," says Snowden in regards to his new role.
This new role is just fine with Snowden. He was a leader in high school and has the fiery yet calm mentality that all great leaders need. The ability to keep players heads up high, their feet to the ground, and their intensity to its fullest are all skills that Snowden tries to now provide the young Wildcats.
Snowden doesn't have time to wait or to ease into this role either. Villanova's new team has been hyped since the end of last year and expectations are high.
"As a whole, the students, fans, and coaches expect more of us so our expectations are much greater than they have been," said Snowden of the heightened pressure. "I am enjoying the hype because in the past we didn't have this much publicity for our program."
Villanova's schedule reflects the team's expectations. With games against Marquette, Temple, Memphis, as well as the always tough Big East schedule, these 'Cats will be under the microscope by everyone in college basketball. Snowden takes it all in stride, one game at a time.
"There is going to be times when we look real good and there's times when the game gets sloppy," said Snowden. "I think if I can keep my head and I stay calm, hopefully the freshman will follow my footsteps."
Snowden has already made his presence felt with the young players.
"I tell them to go out and play your game, be confident when you step out on the court and don't worry about mistakes because everyone is going to make mistakes," said Snowden.
This is valuable advice from an upperclassman to a group of 18-year-olds. For Snowden as a freshman, he learned as he went and is taking that experience and applying it to the young players and being there for them unlike his own freshman year.
The young players that Snowden provides his guidance to are not just the typical freshmen that come in and wait their turn to play. These Wildcats are here to contribute immediately, which means that Snowden and other upper classmen could lose some minutes. Last year he played in every game and only once played less than 20 minutes. Snowden is optimistic about the potential decline in playing time.
"I won't play as many minutes but I think I will be able to go out there and play more aggressive," said Snowden.
Without a lot of depth a year ago, Snowden was relied upon to stay in the games, and the already energetic player would have to pace himself to make it through close to 40 minutes each game. This year he has the luxury of being able to step onto the floor and give Coach Wright 110% without worrying about fouls or energy, because he knows that they have capable players to relieve him.
Most players set for themselves personal goals that they try to reach which can help spur their motivation. Snowden is not one of these players. He is so accepting of his role as a leader, both on and off the court, that he didn't set a single personal goal for himself.
"I just want everybody to go out there and play hard every possession then our individual goals will take care of themselves," said Snowden.
Snowden had to play mostly point guard last year. He fits more into the role of a general guard that is expected to make plays offensively and defensively but not necessarily run the offense. This season he does not have to play the point on a daily basis. While he will at times run the show, the majority of his days can be spent looking for shots and playing aggressive basketball.
The leader in Snowden shows when asked about changing positions from the point to a two guard.
"Basically I will play whichever position Coach asks me," said Snowden.
Could a coach really ask for anything more?
Villanova is lucky to have a player and person like Snowden. It isn't common to find a combination of dedication, talent, hard work, understanding, and most importantly leadership. Coach Wright has that player in Snowden. He is a winner that only wants to win, and he would be fine with a "W" even if it came without any accolades or praise to go along with it.
"I just want our team to keep improving," says Snowden with a smile.
Lead the way Snowden and the Wildcat faithful will be right behind you on the journey ahead.
