Daryl Cuff is following in the family tradition of being a great basketball player

There is an old saying that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

And that's certainly is the case of 19 year-old basketball player Daryl Cuff.

He is definitely following in his father's footsteps.  His dad Carleton has been a star with his boyhood club Blue Demons for over two decades. 

The Cuff’s have a strong background in basketball as Carleton’s mother Sinead (Daly) Cuff was one of the finest point guards that graced the hardwood with the Irish senior ladies team, Blarney and Brunell in the eighties and 90's and her brother Denis, was also a star player with Iona and was sought after to play national league, basketball, however, he opted to play soccer with St Mary's.

Daryl started playing basketball as a six year-old with Seanie Murphy in the Demons Academy and now he is playing at U20, along with the Super League panel this season. 

He spent one and a half seasons playing in America for former Demons coach Douglas Leichner with Feltrim Academy and Star Athletes Academy, both based in Florida.

“It’s been quite a journey for me, from starting as an six year-old when my dad brought me to the Demons Academy to now having the chance to get to play with him on the Super League team,” Daryl said.

“I have played all my club basketball with Demons and I’m very grateful to the coaches in the club for all the hard work and skills they taught me over the years, however, I’m more than grateful for the members for the way they looked after me, as it’s a very special club.

“I have represented Ireland for the last three years playing with the U18 team in the European Championships under Paul Kelleher a year young and then the following year I was picked as one of the leaders of the program. 

"Last year I played with the U20 team in the Euros and I hope to get to play with the U20’s again this summer.

“I was lucky enough to get a chance to go the America three years ago, when my dad’s former coach Douglas Leichner gave me an opportunity to play with his prep school Feltrim Academy, who are based in Haines City, Florida. 

"I found the whole experience away a surreal one to be honest as I had to grow up very fast, especially being the first time that I was away from my family. 

"I only spent three months in the school as I only travelled over there for the second half of the season, however, I really enjoyed my time there as I got to play at a very high level. 

"The following year coach Leichner moved to Stars Athletes Academy in Leesburg, Florida and he offered me another scholarship. 

"I was more comfortable the second year and playing under the same coach really helped me settle in with my new teammates. 

"We had a very successful season winning a State Championship, but my overall game really improved by practicing everyday and playing against some great teams twice a week. 

"I’m so thankful to coach Leichner for the trust and confidence he had in me with both schools, as he and his coaching staff were brilliant on and off the court.

“This summer I had to make one of the biggest decisions in my life, as I had some offers to go play college ball in the States, however, the Demons committee approached my dad and myself and offered my a scholarship in UCC who are sponsors with the club. 

"It didn’t take me long to make a decision, as I’m a real family person and didn’t want to commit to four more years away from home. 

"Another reason was that it could give me a chance to get to play with my dad on the Super League team, so I thankfully accepted the scholarship to go to UCC and study for an Arts degree.

“To get to play with Demons in the Super League was always a dream of mine, because as long as I remember I used to go to every game to watch my dad play. 

"However, it was a culture shock to be honest, as the level is very high playing against good European, American and top Irish players every week, but I’m lucky to have the Haningan twins, Scott and James, Dave Lehane and Kyle Hosford to give me guidance when I find things getting difficult. 

"Also, my coaches Danny O'Mahony and Stewart Rodgers are very supportive to us young players as I’m continue my learning and basketball journey under their guidance.”