MEET FLORIDA PHENOM CAYDEN DAUGHTRY

Florida is known for their elite players, particularly guards. Cayden Daughtry is no exception. The young king was one of the most impressive players we seen at our camp in Florida this past summer.

Ball handling, Check!

Finishing with either hand, Check!

Moves.com, Check!

Leadership, Check!

Cayden will prove to be one of the top players in the country and there is no slowing him down. His parents are his foundation, making sure he stays focused along this journey, and he has a WHY...

Let's get to know Cayden Daughtry 

1.Who introduced you to the game of basketball?

My parents because they watched basketball a lot at home. They even have videos of me pushing the ball around before I could walk and of me shooting when I was a one year old, while the game was on in the background. Then, I started to actually watch the games and grew the real love for the game. I knew I wanted to grow up to be a professional basketball player and be involved in the game any way possible. I dream to make it to the NBA, not only because I love the game, but to be able to use my platform to bring change to our world.

2.Who has been the biggest influence on you as a student athlete and why?

My parents. They always push me with my academics and will not accept anything less than great grades and being a responsible student. They stress the importance of education to get me to be able to achieve my goals.

3.If you could work out and be mentored by one player in the NBA, who would it be and why?

I would choose Allen Iverson because I know there are going to be tough times throughout my basketball career, and I know he went through so much in his life to finally get to the NBA. I would ask him any advice on how he was able to handle the difficult times that he faced, and how he still came out on top.

4.If you could pick 3 players in the NBA, which 3 best describes your game?

Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson, and Dwyane Wade. I chose Kobe Bryant because of his I.Q. , amazing scoring ability, and mental approach. I chose Allen Iverson because of how he can score in multiple ways, fearless attitude, and leadership. I chose Dwyane Wade because he was a two-way player, defensively and offensively strong.

5.Tell us a little about your training regimen.

My trainings are daily whether it is with a trainer or at home with my mom. I make sure to get my shots and dribbling in every day, as well as conditioning. I work with the same trainers from a young age, which is Coach Haseeb from Made Performance since the age of 4, Coach Serg from Next Level from age 5, and Coach Denzel from Hoop Dynasty from age 8. They all brought different aspects to my game throughout my life, and they all continue to keep me focused and humble to this day.

6.What is the most important lesson your parents have taught you about being a student-athlete?

Education is #1. You cannot be an athlete if you are not an elite student. I am blessed to have this athletic ability and can not take it for granted.

7.We at Top Elite, feature players and teams on the rise and those who have been exceptional for a while. What are some things you feel are your strengths as a player?

I feel my biggest strength is my basketball I.Q. because I am able to read the games in different ways. Other strengths include shooting, ball handling, and defense. I can shoot from multiple areas on the court, handle the ball even under pressure, and always make sure to give my all on defense. Defense wins game.

8.If you had to choose one player or team as your toughest competition, who would it be?

That is a tough question because I treat each team and player as my toughest competition when I go into each game. It is a mindset that I always have for myself to push me to do my best for each play and game. My parents taught me to never underestimate anyone on the court.

9.What else do you enjoy doing besides playing basketball?

I love spending time with my family as much as possible. We are usually playing games with each other or watching sports and movies together.

10.Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

I have a couple inspirations. First and foremost, my parents because they have always supported me with everything and taught me the importance of great work ethic from a young age. They work hard every single day, and they inspire me to give my all in everything I do so I can reach my goals in all aspects of life. I was blessed with great health and a strong mind, and I want to make sure I use what was god given to me to help others in the future.

My other inspiration is my big cousin, Corey Jones. He was taken from our family by a police officer in 2015, which was later found guilty of his murder. Corey always believed in me and always reminded me to always have big dreams and to go for them. He showed me that nothing is untouchable if one works hard for it. Corey’s dreams were stolen from him, so his life inspires me to keep working hard and to stay humble and focused so I can someday reach mine.

11.When you have a tough game, what are some things you do mentally that keep you motivated?

To stay motivated during a game, I trust my training and hard work off the court, which keeps my mind fully in the game and keeps me playing until the very end, win or lose.

If I did have a tough game, I make sure to go home, watch film, and work hard to fix what I did wrong in the game. I try to learn from every game and experience.