At the Sports Academy recently I had my senses assaulted by this 6-4 young blood who was ballin-out in blood red for Cal Supreme 16U.
Like just how good was this kid going, how was he rolling E-Woods?
Splash mountain, three trifectas in a row from 25 feet out, followed by 2 serious yak attack dunks to the rim in a row. You done E-Woods?
Nope. Youngin then added another 2 splash splash 3s in succession on top of all that in starting the initial possessions of the game no less.
That was my introduction to Demetrius Calip II, class of 2020 extraordinaire. He must have had the first 6 buckets of the game. Seriously? Yup, just like that.
But this isn’t a story of a performance. Rather it’s a story of the culmination of love, and love of hoop, between a father and son. 100.
Demetrius Calip I, from Flint Michigan, 6-1 sweet shooting guard that helped Michigan win a NCAA chip in ‘89 and then played for the Lakers.
Great guy, great dad who has poured his heart into Derrick Taylor’s Taft High as an assistant coach these past 8 years. He’s stepped away from the bench this year to let his boy be his own man as he states, “I’m so proud of being close to Taft, of my boy and all he is trying to accomplish.
“He has sacrificed so much to get to this moment, as he transitions into a new role the next two years of his high school experience. It will be so great to see him take on that load, the leadership to show he has what it takes to be impactful, to be a difference maker as a person in this world, which is an extension of how he’ll be a difference maker on the court.
“So many ways I see him try to make everyone around him better because he cares so much about everybody.”
It’s all love and gravy over there at Taft for this father and son - the elder Demetrius patiently developing kid after kid in the program, his dope son accepting the supporting role these past 2 years.
There’s been many outstanding players over the years at Taft whom I’ve met since I was introduced to the incredible Jordan Farmar. Most recently, Virginia signee, Kihei Clark has done big things but now it’s DC II’s turn to be the man.
LA Times hoops writer Eric Sondheimer said of DC II, “Sophomore Demetrius Calip of Taft is a player. Think Spencer Dinwiddie as a sophomore.”
What’s the real story about this special kid? It’s just about a fun loving, athletic youngster, that’s ready to come into his own.
This dad-son dynamic duo reminds me a lot of Larry Drew, Jr. and Sr did back in the day at Taft. So hear for yourself the brand new flavor in your ear that is 2020 Demetrius Calip II, “I started off playing basketball at age 4, then in 7th grade shifted to other activities like skateboarding, dancing, singing, making my own YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUZcfpmO7K9e4nP5UabItig
“But I really got into basketball again and started to really love it as I was seeing Steph Curry play, which he is so fun to watch. I want to emulate his game and I feel that no matter what, it’s going to happen for me at a big level, on a big stage.
“I’ve been putting in the time, getting all the right advice into progressing my game. I’m all about winning. I’ve spent my first 2 years at Taft knowing it’s about the team, being unselfish.
“For example, if I’m like seeing another teammate in their flow, I’m going to encourage that on, because here at Taft, as I want to be in life, it’s all about the team being able to win. I’m all about success.
“I just know I’m going to be counted on this next couple of years to help power this team. We’re trying to win City Section next year, a state title as well. That’s our big goal.”
DC II has an aura around him, very much like the sheik and fashionable EJ Jackson, always in that fun mode off court. It’s pretty dope to see a kid so comfortable in his own skin like Demetrius is. He likes to get out there on the court, show something unexpected in a great way, and get into his flow.
Who does DCII appreciate for his flow? R & B entertainer Chris Brown. DCII likes his style, swag, being in that mode of creating.
So every time I see a photo or video of DC II nowadays, it conjures up this song in my head by young Breezy, Look at Me Now. These lyrics speak to me about DC II:
“Better know that I don't and I won't ever stop
'Cause you know I gotta win everyday day, day, go!
See they don't really wanna pop me (Blow!)
Just know that you never flop me (Oh!)
You ain't never gonna stop me.”
DC’s dream list of schools?
He doesn’t have a leader as of now but wants to play with a team that fits his style and will help him improve his chances of being a pro like his pops was. “I’ve appreciated being recruited by Oregon St, Florida St, and UCSB, but other programs that I like are Arizona, UCLA, and USC as well.
“I’m aiming to be a high major, and my dream is to play in the NBA. If a program believes in me, be it my dad’s alma mater of Michigan, I’m open to going anywhere that is a great fit.”
DC II’s grandmother Jacqueline Calip has blessed him with a strong spiritual belief in God and to believe in himself. His mom Cynthia Calip reminds him that “The cream rises to the top”. He appreciates that advice.
My advice to the reader?
Go out and see this kid play but just remember to bring a towel. If splash mountain is running its attraction for Cal Supreme 16U, you’re likely to experience a wet day like I did fosho.
