Feb. 2, 2013

by Nikki Philpot

Reliance. Dependence. Trust. Faith.

Imagine that these four words comprise the four corners of Hagan Arena. And in the middle of the court, on the center of the Hawk, there lies the sum of those four words:

Confidence.

In the world of Division I basketball, an athlete's confidence grows when he comes into a program as a freshman and starts 33 games in his rookie season.

In the progression through sophomore year, an athlete's confidence skyrockets when he starts 63 games combined over his first two seasons.

In the arena of confidence, though, what happens when that same starter returns for his junior season to a different role...one that calls for him to come into the game off the bench?

As both a blessing and a curse, confidence - both in abundance and absence - has impacted the play of wing player Daryus Quarles this season. The junior's self-confidence in his play took a major hit when his role on the squad was altered.

"In the first half of the season, when I found out that I wasn't starting and didn't know if I would even play that much, it was hard," explained Quarles. "I started losing confidence in myself because I was a two-year starter, and then I didn't know if I was going to play a lot or at all. I started second-guessing myself and lost confidence."

Quite understandably, Quarles began to question himself. When an athlete is asked to move to the bench after playing a starting role from day one, the questions bounce around like the ball on the court and doubt creeps in like an unexpected steal.

The 6-foot-6 Quarles, whose speed and ball control allow him to take on the role of a guard and whose height and versatility earn him "small forward" recognition, was assigned to the "pinnie" squad - the practice squad used to help improve the play of the starting five. It was here, on the opposite side of the world he was used to, that Quarles felt lost.

Reflecting on the first half of the season, the junior admits to a flawed work ethic.

"I'd let the walk-ons get their reps instead of me being out there trying to make myself better," said Quarles of the early season. "I would take plays off."

That attitude began to affect his opportunities on game days. With the exception of Saint Joseph's season opener against Yale, in which Quarles saw 19 minutes, the starter of the two prior seasons was limited to just 6.4 minutes per game over the course of the next 12 match-ups.

But then, in the same place where he had felt his lowest for the previous eight weeks, something clicked. It was here at practice in Hagan Arena where Quarles made an imperative resolution. He decided to leave the past where it belongs - in the past - and to do what was expected of him.

He worked harder. Much harder.

His role at practice was and is to imitate the play of the future opponent's leading scorer. Quarles realized that his work ethic, positive or negative, held the potential to affect his teammates. And as his work ethic improved, his confidence came along for the ride.

"I started making more plays with confidence against the starters," he said. "I was like, `I'm gonna get every rep. I'm gonna make myself better. Guys like Langston [Galloway] and [Carl Jones] and Chris [Wilson]...I'm gonna make them work.'"

Then came Duquesne and VCU - a pair of road games that would change everything.

After dropping a hotly-contested battle to nationally ranked Butler just three days prior, the Hawks looked for their first Atlantic 10 win on the road at Duquesne. Just over three minutes after subbing in against the Dukes, Quarles drained three consecutive three-pointers within a span of four minutes. In 16 total minutes, he registered nine points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from beyond the arc in addition to two rebounds and a block.

Quarles recognizes the relationship between his improved work ethic and increased playing time. He is grateful for the opportunity that a second chance can present.

"My practice habits started picking up," reflected Quarles. "I guess I showed Coach that I'd been practicing hard, and he gave me a shot...I got into the game and got more confidence."

He got his confidence back. We got him back.

Including Duquesne, Quarles has seen his minutes increase to the tune of 14.5 per game. And what's more, he is making those minutes count. The junior netted nine points on a perfect 4-of-4 shooting from the floor in 18 minutes at nationally ranked VCU on January 17. Just two days later, he proved to be instant energy off the bench as he posted seven points and three rebounds in SJU's 79-59 win over Penn.

In that trio of games, Quarles averaged 8.3 points per game from 10-of-13 shooting from the floor, including a near-perfect 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.

He is focused, and that focus doesn't allow him to look back on the first half of this season. The second part in the book of basketball, the Atlantic 10 chapter, has begun. Quarles is still coming in off the bench - that role hasn't changed. What has changed is his attitude toward that role.

He embraces his minutes, and with that outlook, his confidence level is back up to where we know it can be. Most importantly, Quarles himself is now positive that he can make a difference when his sneakers hit the hardwood.

"I'm trying to make a play for my team," said Quarles of his focus when on the court. "With our team, it's an energy problem. Most of the games we lose are because of [lack of] energy. I feel like if I can come in off the bench and grab two or three rebounds or hit two or three threes or get a layup in the time I'm out there, maybe that would give the team the spark that we need, or bring something into the team so that we can get going."

Quarles averaged 12.5 minutes against A-10 opponents St. Bonaventure and Xavier but was held to just three points against the latter in his higher-scoring game of the two. To him, those aren't the numbers on which he is choosing to focus. To him, it's all about the next moment of potential, the next chance for growth.

"If I have a good or a bad game...I'm just anxious to get to the next game so I can see if I can improve on the performance that I had before," explained Quarles. "I'm always looking ahead."

In a moment of obviously genuine growth, Quarles smiled before adding, "I look forward to practicing now. It's just another opportunity to get better."

In addition to the practices, the junior looks forward to the games - home games in particular. He has looked forward to tonight's game all week. Because it's here, in Hagan Arena, where you know Quarles best. It's here where you hold him up.

"With the last few games, that's been the biggest part of me having a good performance," said Quarles of the fan support. "When I first came here, I wasn't as comfortable playing home games because my good games would come on the road. To know that I have the fans on my side and that they want to see me do well means a lot because I feel more comfortable out there."

Quarles has been tested this year on the court. He's experienced setback and growth - both on the physical and mental level - and he has come out stronger because of it.

"Never give up on yourself," advises Quarles. "Just stay on the course and keep doing the things that you've done to get to where you are...keep pushing because once you're knocked down so many times, you have to get up sooner or later."

You'll see the Hawks tonight. You'll see them run through their tunnel and shoot their warm-up shots. And in the midst of the Crimson and Gray, you'll see #11. You'll see the focus on his face. You'll see the fire in his eyes.

Daryus Quarles is back.

And like the Hawk, his confidence soars once more.