I had the privilege of conducting a captivating Q&A series with RWI Kings product - Burak Djamgouz, younger brother of recent Maine transfer Okay Djamgouz. As one of the top shooters in the highly competitive 2024 Canadian basketball recruiting class, Burak's skills on the court must run in the family. Representing RWI Kings and Inspire Academy, he has already garnered attention for his exceptional shooting abilities, poised demeanor, and relentless work ethic. In this interview, Burak shares insights into his journey, training regimen, aspirations, and the lessons he has learned along the way. Join me as we delve into the mind of this extraordinary talent and gain valuable knowledge from his experiences.
Burak, with some of the attention you're receiving from scouts in both Canada and the US, how do you handle the pressure and expectations that come with being considered one of the best shooters in Canada for the class of 2024?
To me, there is no pressure, because I know how much work I’ve put in over the years and I trust my abilities and I'm extremely confident in my shot.
Being the younger brother of Okay Djamgouz, who recently transferred from Drake to Maine, how has his success influenced your own basketball journey? Do you feel any additional pressure to live up to his achievements?
From a young age, I’ve always looked up to him and he’s always taken me under his wing and guided me towards the right direction. Just seeing how he plays at such a high level inspires me and shows me what it takes to get there. Whereas how I might handle the pressure to live up to his achievements, I feel there is no pressure because he’s been someone I’ve looked up to for a long time, and we both want to see each other succeed.
What are your short-term and long-term goals as a basketball player? How do you plan to achieve them, and what steps are you taking to ensure your progress?
My short term goals are obviously to get increased recognition from colleges and universities at the next level, but to get there I want to make sure I improve my body and strength so that I can expand my game even more. Post university, I’d like to play pro wether that means NBA or overseas. I’m working hard everyday and making sure I improve the little things I need to get to the next level.
In what ways has your brother Okay served as a mentor and role model for you in your basketball career? How has his experience playing at the Division 1 level impacted your own aspirations?
We would always push each other to get better and he wouldn’t take anything easy on me whether that’s shooting contests or playing each other one on one which I learned to appreciate more as I got older. Him playing at such a high level at DI showed me that his work ethic really payed off and that it’s important to not only put in the hours, but making sure he goes hard at it every time.
Transitioning from high school to college basketball can be challenging. Have you already started thinking about potential colleges or universities that you would like to attend? What factors are important to you when choosing a basketball program?
To me, it’s just important that my game fits into the play style of whatever a school I attend, and that I can help the team win over time.
As you continue to develop your skills and gain more attention from scouts, how do you stay focused on your personal growth and avoid getting caught up in the external noise and distractions that often come with the basketball world?
I make sure to just keep my head down and keep working because I know that commitment isn’t an option, it’s a necessity and a minimum.
In the competitive landscape of basketball, what sets you apart from other shooters in your class? How would you describe your playing style and what aspects of your game are you working on to further enhance your abilities?
Not only can I shoot the ball off the catch with high precision and regularity, but I can also shoot it off the dribble and off motion at a very high clip. To add to those skills, my quick release makes it more difficult for my defenders to close out. I feel like that sets me apart from other great shooters in high school. My play style is very efficient and adaptable to any sets or systems because I can space the floor very well which opens up a lot for myself and my teammates. I’m making sure to work on my body to make it bigger and stronger so that I can improve my ability to penetrate to the paint which would expand my 3 level scoring ability.
What challenges have you faced throughout your basketball journey so far, and how have they shaped you as a player and as an individual? How do you plan to overcome any obstacles that may arise in the future?
Obviously, Covid-19 was a big setback for me and a every other high school player so it was difficult but because of my dedication, I found ways to still work on my game whether that was in at school yards, my driveway, or fields to help maintain and improve my game. I also watched some film on myself as well as NBA players I feel like I play like and was able to break them down to help improve my game.
Outside of basketball, what are some other interests or hobbies that you enjoy pursuing? How do you find a balance between your passion for basketball and maintaining a well-rounded lifestyle?
Family is really important to me so I like to make sure I spend time with them as much as I can but other than I feel like I have a really good business mindset so a hobby of mine is to create businesses to help make myself extra money. I feel like my high IQ helps me in these sorts of things.
Finally, what message would you like to send to aspiring young basketball players who look up to you as a role model or even your younger self? What advice would you give them as they navigate their own journeys in the sport?
Just keep working and don’t let any roadblocks stop you from trying to get to where you want.
Make sure to follow Burak on Instagram at @burak__dj10 !
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