Sincere Carry’s Edge Leads Him to Duquesne

PITTSBURGH — Guard Sincere Carry was all set to be an NCAA Division I student-athlete but a series of knee injuries and lack of offers from that level enrolled him at West Liberty University.

But that is not where Carry’s story ends, rather it was the beginning as he had an edge that would not be denied.

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“Once I got injured, I spent a lot of time in the weight room, so I got stronger physically and when I got back on the court, I just wanted to prove everybody wrong because everyone thought I had lost a step,” he said. “Really, I got a lot better, so that is my mindset when I play, I just want to prove the doubters wrong.”

Carry’s time with the Hilltoppers was short as he was released from his National Letter of Intent and within a day was a Duquesne Duke.

“They talked to me as if I was going to be a pro one day,” Carry said of the Duquesne coaching staff. “They saw a lot in me and the first day after I signed, we were in the gym working out making me better and it’s going to show. I always thought I was a Division I player and once I got the opportunity, I took it.”

In high school Carry suffered two separate knee injuries, one as a sophomore and another prior to his junior year and his recruiting process halted, something which at the time upset the Solon, Ohio native.

“I wasn’t very mature so I was kind of mad and hurting a lot, but then, through my senior year I got a lot more mature so whatever school was talking to me, I felt blessed for the opportunity,” said Carry. “Both injury and time made me more mature. The injury once I couldn’t play basketball made me miss it a lot and the opportunity to play made me love the game and see how much of a blessing it is to play. Once the time came, I got a lot more mature for the recruiting process.”

West Liberty has a winning history and a fast-paced, high-powered offense which suited Carry’s game and he said that committing to them was not settling but a good option since the D-I schools recruiting him were smaller and not the fit he was looking for.

Carry stated that several other coaches planned to get in touch but Duquesne was the only school he was interested in, taking a visit with Duquesne and committing the very same day.

In doing so, Carry connects with Keith Dambrot and it is worth noting that Solon is a 36 minute drive from Akron.

“Since I came from a D-II school I’ve been working really hard so I can prove everyone wrong,” Carry said. “Everyone thought it was a bad move for me to go Division I, no one thought I would play. People questioned me to be a redshirt so I just kept working hard. He has the faith and trust in me, so a lot of respect to that man.”

Pittsburgh Sports Now has received box scores of the team’s scrimmages against Canisius and Saint Francis and Carry was in the starting five for both games as well as Saturday’s victory against William & Mary, recording nine assists against no turnovers in that win.

“I’m confident in the system and he trusts me with the ball,” said Carry. “My teammates know I will make the extra pass, I have done that since I was younger. I’m an energy guy on the defensive end, offensively I try to get scorers in good position and I can make a couple of plays which brings the team energy. I’ll do whatever, it doesn’t matter.”

In speaking for this article, Carry’s tone was softer but every word had a purpose to it, a quiet confidence of sort. Carry has had his doubters, all of whom have made remarks behind his back thinking they knew what was best for him which has provided both additional motivation and an awareness of who comprises his small inner circle.

Through all of these highs and lows, Carry maintained faith and the process has taken him to Duquesne where he is expected to succeed.

“Some adversity is bad, some adversity is good,” explained Carry. “It’s always good to take a step back and come back and prove everybody wrong. My low point was the injury and not being recruited, but my low point was my best point.”