By Rob Pelaez — STAFF WRITER
Denton Koon, a graduate student on the Hofstra men’s basketball team, wrapped up his collegiate career in style, transferring to Hofstra from Princeton, and winning a CAA regular-season title. I caught up with Denton to talk a little bit about his career, and life after Hofstra.

Rob Pelaez: What’s been the best part of your college basketball career?

Denton Koon: I think the biggest thing is just building relationships with people. Teammates, coaches … you know, those relationships and bonds that mean the most to me, over the games. Obviously, you have those memories of great games and performances, but the reason those are so great is because of all the time and work you put into it with the people that make the games worth playing. On and off the court, building something special and bigger than yourself and a group.

RP: What will you miss most about playing with this Pride squad this year?

DK: Yeah, like I said, the people are really going to be the biggest thing. The main reason I came here was because of the staffing and the players, you know. Just the opportunity to compete everyday … there’s nothing like college basketball. And for me, it’s just been great and I can honestly say I couldn’t have made a better decision coming here for my final year.

RP: So, after your last year at Princeton, when you got the [knee] injury, what was your mindset going into this past year, knowing this might very well be your last season of playing college ball?

DK: When the injury came, it taught me that you just really have to take life’s blows as a learning lesson, so I had to just take it and run with it. For me, fortunately, I was able to roll [it] into a nice opportunity to not only be able to play here, but also to be able to work on my Master’s degree. Also, to potentially have an opportunity to continue my basketball career further.

RP: You mentioned your progress with earning your Master’s degree. What are your plans for after college?

DK: Right now, I’m still in the midst of a two-year program, the MBA [Masters Business Administration] with a concentration on management. [I’m] around three-quarters of the way done with that, and from there I’ll sign with an agent and will hopefully, well, potentially will try to get playing opportunities in the fall in Europe, or abroad somewhere else. So I’m just waiting on that call.

RP: What’s been your favorite memory this past year at Hofstra?

DK: I think the trips are what you really remember. There are long rides, waking up early and practicing with the guys, and that’s always fun. For me, the trip to the Virgin Islands was really special, and getting that win over Florida State was really great. A combination of the last week of the regular season through the postseason was all really memorable. Of course it didn’t swing the way we wanted it to [CAA Tourney loss], but we take it with a grain of salt, and the win over William and Mary will always stand out to me.