THE MINGO BROTHERS

They both are top guards in their respective class in the country, but in the Mingo household, none of that matters. Each brings a different style to the game, but both are extremely talented.

Kayden has that flare and Dylan gets straight to work. Both are bucket getters, great students and will continue to be high on every coaches radar.

Let's get to know the Mingo Brothers. 

MEET DYLAN!

1.Who introduced you to the game of basketball? My dad and my older brothers Dalique and Kayden introduced me to the game of basketball.  I have been going to my older brothers´ games and training as long as I can remember.  I had to sit through practices and games before I could walk.

2.You come from a basketball household.  Were you guys always competitive? Yes. We are always competitive in all the sports that we play.  I can beat Kayden in baseball, football and basketball.  

3.If you could work out and be mentored by one player in the NBA, who would it be and why? If I could work out and be mentored by one player in the NBA it would be Lebron James.   I say Lebron because he is a leader, a great player and he is a good influence. He never gives up and that encourages me to always do my best. 

4. We have seen you both play in NYC, as well as prove yourselves as two of the top guards in the country in your respective classes.  What mindset do you bring each time you step on the court?

Each time I step on the Court I bring the mindset to do my best and do everything I can to bring a victory to my team. Whether guarding their best player or leading the team in rebounds. Whatever is necessary. (WIN)  

5. If you could pick 3 players in the NBA, which 3 players best describe your game? The three NBA players that best describe my game are Kawhi Leonard because he is humble and a great defender.  Jason Tatum is great getting to the basket and Bradley Beal because he shoots well off the dribble and off the pass.

6. How many hours a week do you train and what part of your game do you work on the most and why? I train at least 2 hours a day.  I work on my dribbling the most. I work on this because when I play point guard, I want to be the best ball handler on the court. 

7. What is the most important lesson your parents have taught you about being a student-athlete?  My parents have taught me to be respectful and that being a student-athlete means that I am a student first and an athlete second.  Before I can really excel as an athlete, I must take care of my business as a student.  

8. Do you guys ever play one on one and if you do, who wins the most?  Yes, we play one on one. The games get so heated my father comes outside and separate us. I win most of the time. I let him win sometimes.

9. If you had to choose one player or team as your toughest competition, who would it be? The team I would choose would be Above all Coast. One of the top teams in the class of 2026. Great team defensively and offensively. Tough team to beat. 

10. What else do you enjoy doing besides basketball?  I enjoy playing video games with my friends and spending time with my family. I play on one of the best 12u baseball travel teams in the state and my football team has made it to the championship the last three years. 

11. Who or what is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is my dad because he is a good guy. He is my greatest fan and the person who always tells me what I do wrong and can do better.  Sometimes it is hard to listen, but I understand that he just wants me to be the best.

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

When I have a tough game mentally, I just try to stay focused and tune out the noise.

MEET KAYDEN!

1. Who introduced you both to the game of basketball? 

I was introduced to basketball from both my dad and my older brother. 

2. You come from a basketball household. Were you guys always competitive?

Yes, always. No matter what it is we never want to lose and always want to end up on top. Even the 2k games get really heated in my house!

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

I would have to go with Kyrie Irving. The reason why I choose Kyrie is because not only is he one of my favorite players, but when I get older, I see myself playing somewhat like Kyrie Irving. I like the way he handles the ball and how he finds many ways to make people around him successful and better. He brings a winning mentality to every team. 

4. We have seen you both play in NYC, as well as prove yourselves as two of the top guards in the country in your respective classes. What mindset do you bring each time you step on the court? 

The mindset is really the same for me every time I step on the court. Never underestimate your opponent and stay focused. Never let the defender speed you up or slow you down. When I play, I make sure the whole team eats! 

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

The three NBA players that best describe my game are Kyrie for ball handling and finishing, Chris Paul for passing, and Lebron for all around game. 

6. How many hours a week do you train and what part of your game do you work on the most and why? 

I work out 2-3 hours every day. Usually once early in the morning and right after school. Occasionally I only work out right after school. I work on my 3 point shot the most. It is what I need to work on the most and it has become more consistent. 

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

The most important lesson my parents have taught me about being a student-athlete is books first and ball second.  It’s more important to have a good education than a good talent in sports. You will always be able to go somewhere in life with a good education.  If you have both that makes you even better and gives you more opportunities. 

8. Do you guys ever play one on one and if you do, who wins the most?

Yes, all the time, I win most the time. He plays me tough though.

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

Probably Gauchos and Markell & Tai. We always go at it and go back and forth against each other. They are both two skilled guards who make good decisions for their squad. 

10. What else do you enjoy besides playing basketball? 

I like to play video games, watch lots of movies and spend time with family. I play travel baseball and football.  

11. Who is your biggest inspiration?

My older brother Dalique. He trains me and helps me with everything. He has been there since day one.

12. When you have tough games, what are some things that you do mentally that keep you motivated?

When I have a tough game mentally, I make sure me, and my team are prepared and focused. I like to listen to music which keeps me focused and gets me hype before a tough game.