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Kenyan Native To Play NCAA Basketball At Darton College In Albany, Georgia

By Mwakilishi | Tue, 08/17/2010 11:07PM -0500
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The Darton College women’s basketball team just made a big signing. Make that a really big signing. Actually, make that biggest ever signing. Kenya native Dorine Minala, a 6-foot-6 center, signed with the Lady Cavaliers on Friday, providing some much needed height and low post defense.

“I’m ready to give (the team) my gift, which is height,” said Minala, who will wear No. 34, the same number as towering 7-foot-1 NBA star Shaquille O’Neal wore with the Los Angeles Lakers. “I’m looking forward to getting all the rebounds (I can get).”

Head coach Laura Blackwell said she was thrilled to sign Minala, who transferred to Darton from Albany State University in the spring.

The signing gives Blackwell two firsts in her 14-year tenure at Darton.

“This is actually the first young lady we’ve had to be this tall. ... and certainly the first international student to play at Darton in my tenure here,” Blackwell said. “We’re definitely (excited to have her here).”

Last year’s team scored a lot of points, but its tallest player by two inches was 6-foot-1 Dominique Gilbert — and that hurt the Lady Cavaliers late in the season.

“Last year was a good year until the playoffs,” Blackwell said. “We came in fourth and we’re usually in first or second.”

Minala’s size will definitely help, but Blackwell said the Kenyan’s off-court performance is just as important.

“I guess the number one thing about Dorine is she is proving herself academically — she has a 4.0 (GPA) — and that’s outstanding,” Blackwell said. “We want to make sure we can keep her happy for this year and (her entire time at Darton).”

Minala couldn’t agree more.

“I’m very excited to wear the Lady Cavalier uniform and really grateful that I’m going to have people (supporting me) in the community and also to be able to get my degree,” Minala said. “Apart from that, I’m very grateful to (the families that have helped me so far).”

Source: http://www.albanyherald.com/sports/headlines/100673839.html?ref=839

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