Denzel Trim: Everything. I made a promise to myself in the summer of 2001 watching the finals. I watched a 5’10” Allen Iverson drop 48 on the “unbeatable” Shaq and Kobe Lakers and I said why cant I? Why not me? I put all my eggs in one basket. I committed myself to a dream that seemed impossible. I wanted basketball to be my JOB. Years later here I am. Doing it.
Joe Gaiter: What are your fondest memories at Luella High School?
Denzel Trim: When I think of my career at Luella, I think of a couple of memories. The first, when we went undefeated and won the 9th grade championship. That was my first time doing anything significant with basketball, everything prior was mainly street ball and park tourneys. That was the first time in my life I was a part of a TEAM. That was the first time I was around players that were flat out better than I was. My competitive spirit was dialed up a couple of levels because I wanted to be the best and I knew how much work I needed to put in. Another memory that comes to mind is when I was on my way to my 5th straight DNP CD (Did not Play Coach’s decision) but I actually got in. We were at a school 2 hrs. away , Starr’s Mill I think it was. Coach told me to get in with 7 seconds left and we were up by 15. That may have been the worst moment of my basketball life. I felt worthless. I felt like I was really trash. Coach didn’t trust me enough to even put me in a game we had no chance of losing. I doubted myself . I stopped believing in myself and my confidence was shot for the rest of that season. That was the LAST time I doubted myself. Lastly, I remember it was senior year. Tryouts were coming up and I just used my summer to put in the most work I’ve ever put in. I worked harder than ever. Workouts twice a day. No parties, gave myself a curfew, no alcohol , no junk food. Literally the opposite of what everyone else my age was doing. I was on a mission. Fast forward to tryouts and the second drill we did I poked the ball away from a classmate, and dove for it. I landed on my index and middle fingers , broke them both. Even with that I finished the tryout and did pretty well. A week later , did NOT see my name on the sheet and went straight to coach office. I asked what was up , as far as I was concerned, there was only one person ahead of me at my position. They decided to go with a FRESHMAN on varsity instead of me. They said they wanted to develop him. I didn’t know what to say. This was my last chance to get some quality games under my belt and to make this push for college recruitment , and they chose somebody who had 4 years to do the same. That lit a fire in me that still burns to this day. And the funniest part of all of this is the fact that out of all the people that played ahead of me, all the people who had coaches in they corner and looking out for them, 2 of them still play basketball now.
Joe Gaiter: Tell us about your collegiate basketball career?
Denzel Trim: I haven’t played one minute of college basketball. To quote the coach, “ hey man what was your name again? Ok, yea we loved what we saw out there, but we’re looking for someone with more size”. That’s all I have to say about that.
Joe Gaiter:What has been the best and hardest part of being an athlete?
Denzel Trim: The best part of being an athlete for me is the way it has shaped my mind. There are always going to be obstacles in your way whether it’s a work , in your professional life , your relationships etc. What being an athlete has taught me is that it is ok to fail. It’s ok to know your limits and push past them to get better. It’s ok to critique yourself as long as it is constructive. The best part of being an athlete is the positive mindset that you develop subconsciously. The worst part is the sacrifices you’ll have to make. You’ll miss birthdays, special occasions, family functions, milestones etc.
Joe Gaiter: What is next for you and your career?
Denzel Trim: I am proud to announce that for this upcoming season , I will be beginning my Professional Career overseas in El Salvador.
Joe Gaiter: Describe your style of play on the court.
Denzel Trim: My play style is a mixture of all of my favorite players. My energy and intensity come from Kevin Garnett and Russell Westbrook. My stamina and relentlessness comes from Allen Iverson. My competitive nature comes from Michael Jordan. My mindset comes from Stephon Marbury, Chris Paul, Rondo and Penny. The speed I play at comes from John wall, De ’Aaron fox, Iverson and Jason Kidd.
Joe Gaiter: What are keys in playing point guard?
Denzel Trim: Your eyes. Everything is happening with your eyes. Deceiving the defense for crossovers and dime passes ; Eyes. Telling your teammate to roll, cut, slip the screen: eyes. Recognizing who is going to be open and for how long ; Eyes. Your vision is everything as a lead guard . A point guard without court vision is NOT a point guard.
Joe Gaiter: What is your calling?
Denzel Trim: I am a born leader. I am fit to be in a lead position. However I am a great student and listener , I have a nature ability to motivate and bring the best out of others.
Joe Gaiter: What has been your biggest accomplishment?
Denzel Trim: To date, my biggest accomplishment is making it this far. This moment right here. The fact that somebody is asking me about my story, my journey, my defining moments, is something I’ve been waiting on forever. I am forever grateful for the opportunity and platform Gaiter Sports has provided me with.
Joe Gaiter: Are you liking who you are becoming?
Denzel Trim: Without a doubt.
Joe Gaiter: Where and with who are you training with to stay healthy?
Denzel Trim: With me , myself and I. That’s how it has always been. I go to Locust Grove Recreation center and put my work in. Its quiet and there are no distractions. Just me, my ball and my headphones. But once I maxed out with all the things I could teach myself , I had to look elsewhere. Dakeas Wright, the founder of the Nothing Was Handed Brand, has been a big help with getting me to sharpen my in between game. My little Brother Ramon Turner, is always making me improve my defense and its been that way since the day we met in 2012.
Joe Gaiter:Looking back , would you have done anything differently
Denzel Trim: Nothing at all. Everything I’ve been through has gotten me to this point. In this seat, speaking with you. The universe has a strange way of giving back the energy that you give off. I wouldn’t change a single thing because I have no regrets. No second thoughts.
Joe Gaiter: What do you want your legacy to be?
Denzel Trim: That I did it. I had a vision for myself and I went out and got it. But more importantly, that I did it my way. The unconventional, backroad way. I wasn’t blessed with mutated height or freakish athletic ability. I had to scrap, grind, claw, cry, bleed, and fight for what I wanted because that’s all I ever saw myself doing with my life. I’m trying to go down as one of the best to ever do it. I still have a long way to go.
Joe Gaiter: Final Words.
Denzel Trim: To my young athletes out there, don’t ever let outside forces effect how you feel about yourself. If you believe in you , that’s all that matters. The only persons approval you need is YOUR OWN. Stay true to yourself and don’t give up.
Joe Gaiter: Shoutouts?
Denzel Trim: Shout to Torrel, Trayvond, Hassan, Hakeem, Ryan , Ronel , Lennox , Anthony, Nigel, Devontay, Nate, Torrez, Dakeas, Kenny, Jeremy, Tyrone, Devin, George, Frances , Cierra, Keana, Braylon, Coach Mark, Coach Petty, Coach Lucio. My beautiful sisters Kimberlee, Kandyce, and Keisha. And my loving parents Claude and Yonette.
Joe Gaiter: Social Media?
Denzel Trim:
Instagram: Legendary_Lox
Facebook: Lennox Trim
Denzel Trim, Overseas Basketball Player, Interview with Joe Gaiter was last modified: September 19th, 2019 by Joseph Gaiter
