Ever since he was two years old, Knasir "Dug" McDaniel has been immersed in the world of athletics. From football to basketball to baseball, Dug remembers playing an array of sports growing up in Washington, D.C. and quickly forming a deep passion for the game of basketball. Little did he know, but over the next few years, his drive and love for the sport would take him on an incredible journey—one that would allow him to travel the world, build lifelong friendships, and begin to foster his own personal legacy. As he began his high school career, Dug decided to attend Paul VI Catholic High School in Virginia to strengthen his leadership skills and play-making abilities. Sure enough, he did just that. From winning the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Player of the Year Award to helping lead his team to a WCAC Tournament Championship, Dug earned an array of accolades throughout his time at Paul VI that confirmed his dedication to competing at a high level. He hasn't looked back since. Currently, Dug is beginning his collegiate journey at the University of Michigan where he looks forward to expanding his game, making an impact on the floor, empowering those around him, learning from his coaches and teammates, and building his legacy further in the years to come.
Let’s dive into your time at Paul VI Catholic High School! Could you tell us a little bit more about your time there?
When it was time to make the decision, my mom—Dawn McDaniel—was really focused on Gonzaga; but I took a visit to Paul VI, got a chance to stay with the team, just chill with the team, and sit in some classrooms and stuff. I just felt like that was home. I had to sit down with her and just let her know: “Ma, this is the decision I want to make. There are a lot of great guards that came out of that school and I feel like it's the right decision for me.” You know, as a mom, she was all in. She was all behind me, and it turned out to be the best decision that I made for myself.
In addition to playing basketball there, you also played football at Paul VI. Take us through that experience of playing both basketball and football in high school?
I always played basketball and football when I was younger so it wasn't too much of a struggle, but I knew high school was going to be like my last chance to ever play football at a competitive level. I was just taking advantage of the opportunity. The first year, due to COVID and stuff, they only had four games. After basketball season, I explained to my mom the situation at hand and she was like: “I mean, I don't see why not. It’s only four games.” Then, the next season came around and I used my last year as an excuse and she definitely couldn't say “no” (*laughs*). I was just trying to have fun and leave all the politics (behind). It felt good to be out there one last time. It felt natural. Then basketball season came around, and coming from getting ‘Player of the Year’ in football and having a successful football season, I feel like all that success carried over to the basketball season. I was definitely ready to compete at a high level and it all paid off—we won championships, got another ‘Player of the Year’ (award), and just had a great year with my guys. It was a great experience for sure.
As you mentioned, you won a conference championship during your last season at Paul VI and were also named the Player of the Year. What did earning those honors mean to you?
Me being a point guard and coming from a point guard-oriented family, it was more about the team. It felt good to leave high school with a legacy, leaving with a ‘Player of the Year’ (honor), and just bringing a lot of notoriety to the school. We did change locations so it was just letting people know: “PVI is still here. PVI is still one of the best teams in the country.” I thank my guys. You know, I couldn’t do it by myself—they were making shots, giving me more space by making shots every time I passed it to them, giving me more assists, passing me the ball so I’d get more points, (etc). My stats and all my accolades wouldn't be possible without my team, so I'm definitely grateful for that. It just felt good to walk out with a lot of accolades and a lot of success.
Definitely! Reflecting back on your time in high school, how do you think your game elevated throughout your four years there to prepare you for college?