Interview with Steve Dagostino
As stated in one of Upstate Scout’s earlier publications, we will take time to look at former high school standout players from upstate New York that have gone on to play basketball collegiately as well as at the professional level. This week we had the opportunity to sit down with local star Steve Dagostino and talk about his success in the game of basketball.
Steve “Dags” starred at local Guilderland High School before going on to St. Rose where he garnished numerous accolades including 2 time Northeast-10 player of the year and ESPN Academic all American. After his senior playing year at St. Rose he was also voted 1st Team All-American in 4 Publications. Upon his graduation, Steve went overseas to play professional basketball in a variety of places. Here is a look at our interview:
Where have you played since you have started playing professional basketball overseas?
– Spain, Italy, Hungary, United Kingdom, and Iceland.
What were some of the major differences you faced as you advanced from high school competition to the college level and now finally the professional level?
– I tell the players I train all the time that the main difference in stepping up levels is Efficiency. To become a great player on a winning team you have to be efficient. Shots, breakdowns, and turnovers you got away with in High School, you can not make at the college level and the same goes when stepping up from College to the Pros.
What are some of your future goals and what goals have you already amassed throughout your playing career?
– My goal has always been to play at the highest level. I have played in two high level leagues in Europe and I hope to keep playing there.
What was your favorite country to play in thus far?
– The best basketball-related country I have played in is Spain/Italy. They are pretty much the same league, its completely professional, from top to bottom. “Off-Court” I love Iceland. I have good friends over there and it is a clean and beautiful country.
What are some of the differences and adjustments you had to make going from the American brand of basketball to now the European brand?
European basketball at the higher levels is a team game. Guys don’t play 35 minutes a game or score 25 points. Players must be able to be efficient in a team setting. The guys who make the most money aren’t necessarily the best 1 on 1 player. They are the players who can fit their talents in to the team’s philosophy.
What do you do when you come home for the summer months?
-My Summer workouts haven’t changed much since College. The skills, drills, and concepts I work on all translate in to the game setting. I have tried to increase my efficiency and productivity in my workouts. I also try to add at least one new facet to my game whether it’s a finishing move or a different way to create my shot. Many guys go through workouts that make them better at working out and not a better basketball player and that is what I am able to avoid.
What advice might you give the high school student athlete that is trying to eventually play at the collegiate level?
– High school athletes need to focus on making themselves in to the best basketball player they can be and let the future work itself out. If you waste time worrying about what level you are going to end up at, or if you are good enough to play at the college level, you are not focused on the right things. Also, working hard and putting hours in everyday is the NORM. There isn’t one workout that will make everyone better, but there are ways to train that WILL NOT make you a better ‘in game’ basketball player and high school players need to avoid this.
Here is a link to the Dags basketball website which features his resume and several video clips:
http://www.dagsbasketball.com/
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