Deon Chew have been coaching the Trenton Hurricanes for 9 years and has been through his ups and down in the AAU world. He has traveled around the country giving his time to the youth from the Garden State on and off the floor. This years version of the Trenton Hurricanes recently won the Basketball Spotlight MDC, so we decided to talk to him about their origin and whas going on now with the Canes.
BS: When and how did the Trenton Hurricanes began?
DC: Well I inherited the program from a couple coaches after Gary Taylor started in it 1989. I actually played for the Canes as a point guard when I was young.
BS: Name some of the other players that came through the Hurricanes.
DC: Well when I was young I played on the same Hurricanes team with Danthay Jones. While coaching my center was Anthony McClain that's currently at the University of Cinncinati. They're our most famous alumnus.
BS: What's your most memorable moment as a Hurricane player or coach?
DC: Well the crazy thing is that it was a lost that I remember most. I was coaching against the Philly Ballhawks at the Slam Dunk For Autism Tournament in Philly. We played them in the finals they had Scoop Jardine, Rick Jackson and DJ Rivera. We might in the finals and gave the crowd a classic. It was standing room only and we lost by 2. I bet even those kids and people from Philly remember that game. I always think about how we could have won.
BS: What do you think about your team success this year?
DC: Well I'm happy with our team development. We played up in some events and took our lumps but it helped us out later on. To win the MDC was very special because that was a serious event and it will get us ready for the nationals.
BS: How was the MDC experience?
DC: Well it was great. There was wall to wall competition and everybody brought there game. In that tournament you really get to see the top teams in the tri state area lock horns.
BS: Deon, you coached a group of 11's this season with the Trenton Hurricanes. The group eventually left and started Team MVP. What happen in that situation?
DC: Good question, thats why I like Basketball Spotlight. Well sometimes parent participation can be a gift and a curse. There were parent that really believed in the program and helped out with rides, tutoring etc. Then some parents began thinking they could really run the show, some was best for us to part ways but I really miss those kids and i'm very happy they are doind good as a team.
BS: How has Trenton Hurricanes program change the landscape for AAU basketball in Mercer County?
DC: When we first got going there were only two teams the Hurricanes and the CJ Hornets everybody was into rec ball. Now there are plenty of teams in the area which means kids are getting better and playing better competition.
BS: Talk about coaching your son?
DC: I mean that also has it's pros and cons. I didn't want to coach my son but the lack of teams pulled me on the floor. I love being able to spend time with him and teach him the game but sometimes people might think I'm favorable towards him. In reality I'm know I'm harder on him than anyone else on the team. That's why I will do my best to let someone else coach my younger son.
BS: How do you feel about attending the AAU Nationals?
DC: I'm very anxious and excited about going. This is our first one and most people from our environment never get a chance to experience that. But please understand we are not going to Memphis to just show up happy. We are going to compete and win.
BS: Okay Deon Good Luck
DC: Peace Mike
