D’ARRAE
GOODWIN
Nike Dunk High ‘I Got Next’
It’s been an up-and-down season for D’arrae Goodwin’s travel team. Yet, as just a sophomore, he’s been a cornerstone for the 17U squad, always there to spark a deep run or jumpstart a stand-off on defense.
And, even with the roller coaster of a season, he’s feeling pretty great about where his team’s at.
“I feel good about the season so far, obviously we lost two games in Session 1 which doesn’t make me happy, but losing is a part of the game,” he said. “It’s all about how you react, and we bounced back in OKC by going 4-0.”
We caught up with Goodwin after Session 2 of his New Balance season in Oklahoma City. While at the time it was too early to project where his team, WV Gold, would be after the spring portion of their season, with that now behind them, the team is currently hovering around the bottom of the top 16 in the 17U NXT division. After holding off some strong teams in Lincoln, Neb., they still have a good chance to compete in Houston in the national top-16 tournament.
Through wins or losses, however, Goodwin’s talents have been on display as WV Gold has played in front of top college recruiters over the last seven weekends — something he’s not new to, as he's already picked up three offers, all Division I.
Sophomore | Small Forward
The Linsly School
WV Gold 17U
Much of that comes from the work he’s put in with his high school team at The Linsly School, a private school based in Wheeling, W.Va. Linsly not only provides Goodwin with a great education and on-court exposure but he's also getting an exceptional education in the sport, coached by the highly-experienced Dave Wojcik. Most recently the head coach of San Jose State, Wojcik also spent time with programs like James Madison, Loyola, Xavier, Navy, Dayton, Wake Forest and Boise State as an assistant coach. On top of that, Wojcik is also one of the best to ever grace a court in the Mountain State, picking up two state titles (2002, 2003) during his time with Wheeling Central in the early 2000s.
Maybe most notably, though Goodwin is starting to get plenty of attention, he’s not letting it affect him in ways that other young hoopers may; in his mind, he still has plenty to prove.
“I feel very blessed and motivated (to have my offers),” he said. “God gives me the opportunity to work every single day and I don’t take that for granted. It’s only the beginning, I still have way more to prove.
“I think it (the offers) just motivates me to want more. I enjoy playing basketball and I love competing, so no matter if I was getting college attention or not I’m fully focused and striving for even more.”
Naturally, the travel season is far different than high school — although his favorite memories revolve around road games — and, for some, it can take a toll on their bodies and mental fortitude. But not for Goodwin.
“It (flying to tournaments) doesn’t affect me while playing,” Goodwin said. “When I step in between the lines I’m in a different mindset.”
The travel has been good for one thing, though.
“It definitely helps me sleep better that night after we play,” he added.
The Kicks
Nike Dunk High ‘I Got Next’
Mastermind / Carolyn Davidson created the original Nike Dunk High
Release / 2022
Fun fact / Celebrates pick-up games through the iconic writing on the heel
Sitting in Will Rogers Airport outside of Oklahoma City with New Balance on the mind and branded garb covering the players from head to toe, it was a little jarring to see Goodwin pull out his pair of Nike Dunk Highs. The striking, crispy and almost-polished ‘I Got Next’ colorways popped in Goodwin’s hands, as the turquoise and powder blue shined in the daylight pouring in through the large windows surrounding us.
“They’re my favorite because they incorporate my favorite colors, and I think the writing on the side represents me,” Goodwin said.
Found on the heel and inside the turquoise, the writing, also the name of the colorway, “I Got Next,” is a tip of the hat to what we all may shout out when waiting for a pickup game, and, in some way is a call back to Goodwin’s journey to play at the next level. Still, inundated with the question, ‘Who’s the NXT pro?’ that graces banners hanging from the ceilings of the various facilities Goodwin plays in for travel ball as well as the attention being placed on him by college scouts, the question on his Dunks allows the noise and pressure to fade away momentarily, bringing him back to the simple side of basketball: street games.
“When I wear them they remind me of all the exciting street ball locations: Rucker Park, Venice Beach, Dyckman,” he noted. “The bright blue color reminds me of Venice Beach in particular.”
It also helps that the sneakers fit him well, something people with larger feet often have trouble with when sourcing out their next pair — “My foot is long, but it’s very narrow and Nike shoes fit the best when it comes to that build,” he said — but he also likes high-top Nike shoes because they showcase designs and colors better.
Further, while Nike’s Dunk line has become synonymous with the game, it’s not surprising that just simply talking about them brings out Goodwin’s competitive side.
“I take pride in being a great competitor and teammate,” he said. “I will do whatever it takes to win, that’s what separates me from everyone else. I can score from all three levels, guard 1 through 5 and I love getting my teammates involved.”
Further, as the standout sophomore noted, he’s always striving for more.
“Before I graduate I just want to keep on perfecting my game and keep making a name for myself,” he said. “When my high school career ends, I want to be one of the best players in the country. As for my junior season, I want to win another OVAC (Ohio Valley Athletic Conference) championship and I also want to repeat as Prep National champions. For myself, I just want to keep getting better and continue to trust God with my journey. With WV Gold it is my goal to win the PRO16 (division), and with the help of my great teammates put West Virginia on the map.
And you can bet he’ll continue to stay humble along the way.
“In life in general there are going to be many obstacles and problems, but it’s all about how you react to them. At the end of the day, there is no secret recipe, it’s just trusting God, staying disciplined, and working as hard as you possibly can every single day.”
