Quintin Denyssen

This week we have one of my favourite basketball personalities in the country, Quintin Denyssen.

Being one of the biggest names in SA basketball not just for his basketball but for his social media presence, Quintin is renown for his famous “Full Court Press” radio show that never fails to deliver quality content and his commentating on Super Sport never disappoints. With a big presence on the court he can humble even the biggest of names in the game with his shooting and impeccable court vision.

I got in touch with Quintin (AKA "Q") earlier this week to find out about his extensive national team service and was not dissapointed:

Full name

Quintin Denyssen

Birthday

27 August

Years played on national team

1999-2011

Games played on national team

This would be a guesstimate but at best 50+

Best player you’ve played against at national level

Its difficult to single out just one... Kikas Gomes of Angola and Tunji Awojobi of Nigeria.

Your favourite/standout game at national level

Favourite games involve wins over Senegal, first one in the ‘99 All African games. The Jose Costa Leite coached, Craig Gilchrist lead squad pulled off an unlikely win, Hayden Ponsford carried the offensive load and the team came away with a much needed W in a pool that included Nigeria AND Angola. Second win was even sweeter, Sam Vincent was the appointed coach in the 2003 African Basketball Championships in Egypt. Senegal had a line up with ridiculous length. The SA team at that time was probably one of the best I’ve ever played in, our execution was really great and we lead for almost the entire game, it was a really satisfying win.

A favourite story from national team

Some stories can never be told haha, but some of my favourite memories come from warm up and Thabo Letsebe who is well known as the spider man. He is bar none the most unique talent I have ever had the opportunity to play with and against. Warm up layups and pre game drills were an experience for us as much as it was the opposing team and everyone else in the arena who got to see them. His routine included an array of ridiculous floaters from just about anywhere on the floor... and I mean ANYWHERE! 360 layups and what is best described as unique euro step style creations. It didn’t matter who we came up against, the spider was never phased.

You learn to appreciate that authenticity.

A message to the kids

There is no substitute for hard work, to learn the skills required to be a great basketball player you have to put in the time. Put in the time and effort and the rewards will show.