Speaks To Florida Citrus Sports Camp
In addition to the Q&A, Daniels spent time discussing the initiatives of the Q6 Foundation. He formed the Foundation as an effort to provide funds for underprivileged children as well as a means to bring awareness and funding to health issues like Sickle Cell Anemia.
Daniels spent most of the 45 minutes answering questions from the audience of camp counselors and participants about the importance of education, hard work and staying humble. The four-week camp is free to disadvantaged youth and is one of many programs the Florida Citrus Sports Foundation supports in the local Orlando community. The Foundation is the charitable arm of Florida Citrus Sports, the not-for-profit membership organization which produces a variety of events including the New Year's Day Capital One Bowl.
When asked about choosing sociology as his college major, Daniels noted he picked it because he is a people person. The 6'6" forward finished his degree in three and a half years at Auburn University. On the court he was named the SEC Player of the Year by the Birmingham News his senior season.
Daniels signed with the Dallas Mavericks in 2003 as an undrafted free agent. It didn't take long for him to secure his future on Mark Cuban's team as following his rookie campaign the club inked Daniels to a six-year contract.
One camper asked Daniels what he did with his first NBA paycheck. Daniels responded, "I bought a house and car for my mom." During the Q&A session, he told campers his mom was his role model.
Daniels time with the camp was as much entertaining as it was informative. He outlined his daily workout schedule, tabbed Dr. J as his favorite basketball player and noted he tries not to miss many meals because of his small 200-pound frame. He jokingly responded, "I don't like animals with teeth, but I do like fish," when asked if he had any pets.
Marquis Daniels took photos with kids at the camp.Photo compliments of Florida Citrus Sports |
Marquis presents basketballs to Foundation Executive Director Shannon Clark (right) and Camp Director Joey Walters (left). The balls will be used in a future silent auction to raise funds for the camp.Photo compliments of Florida Citrus Sports |
