THE final piece of the puzzle for the Mount Gambier Pioneers men’s team has been placed, with DayJar Dickson this week announced as the side’s second import player.
Coming off a four-year college career in the USA, the six-foot-eight Dickson played for Southern Indiana the last two seasons where he averaged 7.8 points per game and a team-leading 6.7 rebounds.
Dickson displays a tough work ethic at both ends of the floor, with an athletic approach to scoring inside, plus the ability to close out and block opposing scorers.
Coach Richard Hill said he was pleased with the new recruit.
“What I most liked about DayJar was his high energy defensive mind set,” he said.
“He never stops moving on the court, that’s why we brought him in.
“We have guys who can score and he will get an opportunity to score, but we just needed someone to anchor our defence and give us that hard nose stuff we need.
“I think he is a perfect fit for the group we have.”
It seems to be that particular role Dickson also wants to bring to the table.
“They always said defence wins championships when I was younger,” he said.
“That was always my main focus, so I hope I can rub off on people bringing the same mentality.”
That mentality certainly seems to be an instinctive part of Dickson’s mind set.
While he is certainly no stranger to scoring and does enjoy a dunk, defence is one area of his game he seems to take very seriously.
“I want to bring that dog mentality, that defensive attitude, to do the things nobody wants to do, dive on the floor, everything, bring everything to the table,” he said.
“It is not just about big scores.
“I will do what the team needs, that Dennis Rodman type role, but if the bucket is there, the bucket is going to get got.”
Dickson said one thing that attracted him to the Pioneers was simply the passion.
“I have seen the film,” he said.
“The passion is there, from the little dance cheerleaders who come out here – they bring the passion as well.
“The passion is all around the building.
“That is the atmosphere I want to be around.
“That’s why I was looking forward to come here.”
Dickson also comes with leadership skills.
He has captained teams since his Sophomore year at college and believes in voicing his opinion on court, but also setting a good example by his deeds.
“It is impossible to have just one leader on the court – everyone can be vocal all the time,” he said.
“But you have to have some people who can lead by example.
“I always try to lead by example.”
For Hill the decision to bring the American into the fold is one that sits well with him at this early stage.
“I am only going on film I have seen of DayJar,” he said.
“I spoke to his coach and did some research – I like what I have seen.
“There might be a bigger role for him – he might end up being better than I think, but I am really happy.
“I know he is a good guy.”
One other thing driving Dickson to succeed, both here and in the future, is a desire to return a “favour” to his family.
“I just want to take care of my family and make the most money I can,” he said.
“I have 11 brothers and sisters.
“I got a mother and father I hope to take care of – they helped take care of me and all the family.
“Those two are my back bone and I would do anything to give back to them.”
By his attitude alone Dickson seems to be well on the way to achieving his dream, with sport the avenue he has chosen to try to make it happen.
“I was thinking about it on the plane,” he said.
“This round ball of air took me all the way to Australia.
“It is a lot to think about.”
Of course it is a big change from Dickson’s native Washington DC to Mount Gambier, but it is also something he seems to be embracing already.
“In Washington DC there is a lot of violence, a lot of sirens going off during the day,” he said.
“I took a stroll on my first night here to Coles and went grocery shopping.
“I like it, it’s quiet, nice and relaxed.
“It is a lot different, but I am enjoying the peace and quiet.”
The Pioneers Premier League season tips off with a double-header in Adelaide on March 2 against the North Adelaide Rockets, followed by March 3 against the Sturt Sabres.
Prior to that the side will host the Millicent pre-season tournament from February 15-17, with three games set down for the new-look roster.
