Dylan Ennis started playing basketball at just four years old. For this Toronto, Ontario native, it was the feeling of true happiness every time he stepped on a basketball court that prompted his commitment to embark on a journey of his own in the sport. It was indescribable. It was as if the time spent on the basketball court disconnected him from reality and transported him to a world full of creativity and joy. By the time he was six years old, Dylan knew he wanted to go to the NBA. He was certain of it. From training day in and day out to strengthen his skills on the floor to being coached by his father to spending every moment he could watching NBA games on television, Dylan was determined to turn this dream into reality. Little did he know, but every experience in the years to come would make way for the opportunity to do just that—play the game at the highest level. Fast-forward to his time in college, Dylan began his collegiate career at Rice University before transferring to Villanova University after his freshman season. Focused on inching closer to his dream of playing professionally, he remained a student of the game.
From his scoring to his rebounding to his leadership, Dylan continued to develop his game and leave his mark on the court—helping the team win a Big East regular season and conference title—during his time at Villanova before transferring to the University of Oregon upon graduation. It wasn't all smooth sailing though. During his time at Oregon, he faced two foot injuries. Injuries that threatened to bring years of hard work to a halt at the time, but would later serve as a reminder of the importance of faith, resilience, and self-efficacy. He remained focused. After being awarded a sixth year of eligibility, Dylan played his final season at Oregon before declaring for the 2017 NBA Draft. The rest is history! Despite going undrafted, Dylan signed his first professional contract that very summer. He had done it. He had achieved the dream he had set out for himself at the age of six years old to play the game at the highest level. He hasn't slowed down since. From Serbia to Monaco to Turkey to Spain, Dylan has played in several countries since. Currently in his seventh season, Dylan is playing with UCAM Murcia of the Spanish Liga ACB and continues to foster his legacy in the game of basketball. As he reflects on the ebbs and flows of his journey, he remains grounded on the things that matter most to him: family, personal growth, and purpose; and recognizes the opportunity he has to inspire others through his story. A story that reflects the power of dedication, hard work, and tenacity; and one that emphasizes the endless possibilities that exist when you hold the pen to your story and realize that you are in control of your own destiny.
Let’s start with your journey early on! You played at Rice, Villanova, and Oregon during your time in college. Could you share more with us about your time at each institution playing collegiate basketball?
Yeah! So I came out of high school and I felt like I was under-recruited heavily. It's only because I was really small coming out of high school. You know, luckily I was able to have a growth spurt my junior year; and once I got that growth spurt, Rice recruited me really hard. I think I had a few bigger schools, but I really wanted to go somewhere where I was going to play right away. Rice was that place for me. After I went to Rice—I had such a good year at Rice (with) making the All-Freshman Team—, which allowed me to put my name in the transfer portal. Then, big schools like Villanova, Virginia, Virginia Tech, Cincinnati all started calling. You know, the schools that I wanted to have coming out of high school. I decided to commit to Villanova, and it was an amazing experience. I was able to be coached under Coach Wright—Hall of Fame coach. I was around a lot of guys who play in the NBA now, and I learned a lot there. We won a lot of games, a lot of titles. My last year I was able to graduate, and I had one more year of eligibility. I just wanted to transfer to get a different look. I just wanted a different feel. I still think Villanova was great, but I decided to go to Oregon. From Oregon, I went there for a year and ended up breaking my foot twice. I had to ask for a sixth year (of eligibility), and luckily the NCAA was allowed to give me a sixth year and I was able to go to the Final Four in my last year.
How do you think your game elevated throughout your time in college to prepare you for the next level?
I was able to play every position on the roster when I was in college. I came in as a freshman who was new to the team. I was a role player at Oregon. I was a starter at Villanova. I was the glue guy. I was the scorer. Being in college, I played all these roles and put all these hats on and it prepared me to be a professional; because when you walk into that professional game, it's a lot different. It's like you're starting at ground zero. I think college was able to prepare me for any situation that I was put in.
Take us through that next step. How was that transition going from college to the professional basketball space like for you?
It wasn't too hard because I believe that I've always been an underdog. I've always worked so hard for what I've gotten, so coming overseas and becoming a professional was just me putting in the work again. I think a lot of guys, (when) they're in college at these big schools, everybody treats them like they're the kings of the castle. When they have to start over and put that work back in, it’s an adjustment. But, when I was able to step into my professional career, I was already ready for the challenge.
As you reflect back on that rookie season, what were some challenges that you faced early on as you embarked on your professional career and how did you work to overcome them?
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