One word is all it takes get to know who someone is. There are many words that can make a person who they are: quiet, reliable, passionate.

One word that Darcy Young, a second-year centre for the Falcons basketball team, uses to describe himself with is "dedicated."

Young has been dedicated to the sport since he began playing in grade six. His earliest memory of playing basketball was winning the area's championship game with his team.

"The happiest day of my life was being named captain for my high school basketball team and winning the championships," he said.

High school basketball holds a lot of fond memories for Young. "My greatest influence on me had to be my high school coach," he said. "He was like a second father; he taught me everything about basketball."

Young especially enjoys the cerebral aspects of the sport. "Basketball is like a giant chess game: no players are the same and every game is different."

When watching NBA games, Young can be found rooting for Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns.

Young is confident that the Falcons can make it to provincials, but nationals might be more of a challenge. "I feel we have a strong team and once we work together I feel we can make it to provincials."

"We make mistakes, there are a lot of things that we need to iron out, and there is a lack of depth on our bench, but I feel we can do it."

The Fanshawe men's basketball team have their next home game on Friday, February 11 at 8 p.m. against the Algoma Thunderbirds.