College of Southern Idaho combo-guard Danya Kingsby flew to Pittsburgh last weekend anxious to learn more about the Pitt program. He knew the Panthers played in the ACC conference and he wanted to play against the best. Shortly after arriving and meeting with the coaches and players, his decision was an easy one. He wanted to join the Panther family.
“Pittsburgh is a beautiful city, a beautiful place to be. I love Coach (Kevin) Stallings and Coach (Dan) Cage and the rest of the coaching staff. They were great to me,” said Kingsby. “I really loved the team the ACC conference is the best fit for me. It’s where I want to be.”
Kingsby, originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was an exceptional performer at Hamilton High School where he averaged 22.5 points per game as a senior. He spent a year at Arlington Country Day Prep prior to attending the College of Southern Idaho. In 34 games at CSI, Kingsby averaged 11.4 points, 3.7 assists, 3 rebounds and 1.1 steals per game while helping lead his team to the National Tournament and a 27-7 record. He shot 50% from the field as well as 42% from the 3-point line. Danya (pronounced DAN-YAY) chose the Panthers over scholarship offers from UNLV, Texas A&M, Tulsa, Buffalo and Florida Gulf Coast amongst others. He will have two years of eligibility.
“During my visit, I played pick up with the team and it felt really good, very natural. I spent more time with the coaching staff, especially Coach Stallings and Coach Cage. They are simply great people. I got to meet athletic director Heather Lyke as well. Everything was great. I just felt like I belonged at Pitt.”
Kingsby’s primary host for the weekend was junior guard / forward Jared Wilson-Frame. “Jared was a JuCo guy as well. Having him as my host gave me great perspective,” he said.
Kingsby was asked to elaborate on his conversations with Kevin Stallings. He stated, “Coach Stallings told me the ACC is a place I would love. A conference I would want to play in. He told me he wanted a leader that could come in and help the team. I feel like I can. He wanted a leader with the experience and I told him I could come in and do that. I want to lead Pitt to the NCAA tournament and a championship.”
Kingsby visited with two additional 2018 prospects over the weekend: Washington (DC) Sidwell Friends forward Saddiq Bey (6-foot-6 inches, 200 pounds) and Saint James (MD) Saint James School forward Bryce Golden (6-foot-9 inches, 220 pounds). Golden has already verbally committed to the Panthers.
“Saddiq, I love him a lot, he’s a good dude. He was fun to be around and I think he would be a perfect fit at Pitt. Hopefully he chooses Pitt,” he said. “Bryce was a great guy. He was fun to be around. All of us had a great time together.”
Danya was asked in a previous interview with Pittsburgh Sports Now about his strengths on the court. He stated, “Pitt likes me as a combo-guard. I like to score with the basketball. That’s what I’m good at. I make plays for myself and others. On defense, I’ll pick somebody up 94 feet. I’ll harass them all the way to next end of the court.”
The athletic Kingsby will bring maturity and leadership to Pitt. Stallings and staff thoroughly did their homework on his game he quickly became a priority recruit. It’s safe to say they are pleased with his commitment. Kingsby will bolster the Panthers backcourt next season that will led by Marcus Carr and Parker Stewart.
“I want to come to Pitt, make an impact and be a good teammate. I’m proud to be a member of the Pitt family.”
Harry G. Psaros can be found on Twitter at @PittGuru
