Koon Selects Princeton

The Liberty Basketball Program is extremely proud to announce Denton Koon has committed to Coach Sydney Johnson and Princeton University. Koon, a 6'7 senior forward, had plenty of scholarship offers from colleges across the nation but elected to verbally commit early in the recruiting process. The following is an question/answer segment with Denton.

What made Princeton so attractive to you in terms of athletics/basketball?

"Princeton's basketball program is on the rise and since the head coach (Sydney Johnson) has been there the program has done a complete turn around. Also they play a style offensively with a lot of cuts which I like and they take pride on defense in terms of holding the other team to a low total."

You have about a year before you become a Tiger but what are your basketball goals for your freshman season?

"As a freshman, I would really like to go on to an already successful team and make an impact that will help us reach the next level ( no matter what that may be) by playing a good amount of minutes."

Everyone knows that Princeton is 1st class when is comes to academics. What makes the university so impressive academically and what do you plan to major in?

"I am not 100% sure what my major will be yet, but the university itself is so impressive because (for example) you can be sitting in a classroom with a professor who has won a Nobel prize in their area of study and also you are always surrounded by some of the smartest kids your age in the world."

Summarize the top 3 reasons why you decided on Princeton.

"I decided on Princeton with 3 major reasons being the academic prestige, a up and rising basketball program, and its location. Academic prestige- I just mean when employers see that I have a degree from Princeton, it's such an advantage in the job market and just in life. Up and rising basketball program- Coach Johnson has turned things around and I truly believe that going in as a freshman I will have the opportunity to play for 4 straight Ivy League titles. Location- Not only the fact that Princeton is a 45 minute tram ride from NYC, but just the location on the east coast, where I can meet new people and come upon new outlets for my entire life."

New Jersey isn't that close to Liberty so will distance from home be something difficult for you to adjust to?

"I'm sure at first I'm going to miss my mom a little bit, but the fact that I get to use basketball to take me to a different part of the country for at least 4 years of my life is a pretty neat concept. I am excited to see the differences in life between two totally different regions of the country."

In terms of the recruiting process, you made your decision fairly early. What are the advantages to you for having the decision made?

"I believe there are a lot of advantages to making my decision early in the recruiting process. First off I just think it allows me to go into my senior with no pressure for making the decision later, and I can just enjoy myself. Also I think that this helps Princeton in their recruiting because now they have a spot locked in that they like, and can focus on getting other crucial components to help us win. Finally I think making this decision early is beneficial because I won't feel to much pressure to over perform this next season to impress some college, I know that I can just relax and play my game to the best of my abilities to help us win."

Congratulations to Denton and his family on his decision and the tremendous opportunity that awaits him.