06-16-2013, 09:21 AM
http://www.herald-dispatch.com/sports/ma...econd-home
"Dear Huntington,
Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Although I'm excited and blessed to have the opportunity to play for coach Fred Hoiberg and Iowa State, it's very difficult to leave Huntington -- the only other place I've ever called home besides Pittsburgh.
I've been here for a long four years now and I'm glad to call this my second home, and that will never change. Over the years I've grown up a whole bunch in all ways of life. I used to always think that basketball was everything, but after working with my teachers, coaches, and new family here in Huntington, I now realize that life is much more.
Coming from where I come from sometimes the end of the road is high school if you're lucky enough to make it that far and your path could be chosen for you after that. It took a while for me to see that and with the support the city has given me through the ups and downs I appreciate my education experience and struggles that I've learned from here that much more.
I know that things didn't end here the way I wanted them too and I apologize for not leading the team to the NCAA Tournament because this city deserves it. What I do promise though is to bring something back to this community better than a basketball championship -- hope and fun for the kids. Whether I play pro basketball or just become a business man, I'll continue to contribute to the youth in this area once I get my career.
Thanks to Marshall University and the Athletic Department for giving me my first college opportunity. Thanks to the coaching staff that helped me through the years develop as a player and thank you to all of my teammates. I wish my brothers good luck next season and hope they can bring the C-USA title home.
I came here as a boy with only the NBA on my mind, had some setbacks and lost my dad who was and will always be my best friend. I'm leaving here as a man who learned from mistakes and adversity, will earn a degree, a new drive that will make me a better person off the court and ready to reach my dreams I promised my dad. Thanks for everything Huntington, I'll be back and you'll always have a special place in my heart.
Love,
DeAndre Kane"
"Dear Huntington,
Thank you, thank you, and thank you. Although I'm excited and blessed to have the opportunity to play for coach Fred Hoiberg and Iowa State, it's very difficult to leave Huntington -- the only other place I've ever called home besides Pittsburgh.
I've been here for a long four years now and I'm glad to call this my second home, and that will never change. Over the years I've grown up a whole bunch in all ways of life. I used to always think that basketball was everything, but after working with my teachers, coaches, and new family here in Huntington, I now realize that life is much more.
Coming from where I come from sometimes the end of the road is high school if you're lucky enough to make it that far and your path could be chosen for you after that. It took a while for me to see that and with the support the city has given me through the ups and downs I appreciate my education experience and struggles that I've learned from here that much more.
I know that things didn't end here the way I wanted them too and I apologize for not leading the team to the NCAA Tournament because this city deserves it. What I do promise though is to bring something back to this community better than a basketball championship -- hope and fun for the kids. Whether I play pro basketball or just become a business man, I'll continue to contribute to the youth in this area once I get my career.
Thanks to Marshall University and the Athletic Department for giving me my first college opportunity. Thanks to the coaching staff that helped me through the years develop as a player and thank you to all of my teammates. I wish my brothers good luck next season and hope they can bring the C-USA title home.
I came here as a boy with only the NBA on my mind, had some setbacks and lost my dad who was and will always be my best friend. I'm leaving here as a man who learned from mistakes and adversity, will earn a degree, a new drive that will make me a better person off the court and ready to reach my dreams I promised my dad. Thanks for everything Huntington, I'll be back and you'll always have a special place in my heart.
Love,
DeAndre Kane"