by Daniel Brown
After the announcement last month that Disraeli Lufadeju had re-signed with the Nix for the 2020/2021 season, I decided to get to know our British-American point-guard a little better.
Lufadeju has been with Phoenix for two seasons after leaving semi-pro side Bradford Dragons at the end of the 2017/18 campaign.
During last season, Dizzie featured in 13 of the Nix’s matches (starting four). He averaged 6.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game in the 19/20 season, one that was sadly cancelled early because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 28-year-old quickly emerged as a fan-favourite with the Nix fans – often helping out at community and school events.
So what makes the 6’1 baller tick? Why did he re-sign with Phoenix? Does he prefer a starter or a desert? What is his favourite TV show?
Well, let’s find out…
Dizzie, congratulations on re-signing with the Nix for the upcoming season! What made you want to continue with the club after two successful years so far?
“I have got better since I’ve been here and I get a boat-load of opportunities, and to progress as an athlete you need those opportunities to get onto the court. I feel like the organisation trusts my ability and I trust the organisation.”
What sort of stuff did you get up to during lockdown?
“Spent a lot more time with family and rekindling friendships.”
Did you manage to keep fit and practise much?
“I’ve done a lot of home workouts and HIIT workouts. I’ve also ran 5K nearly everyday since the lockdown began! In the past month I’ve been able to practise with a ball but before that I went nearly 13 weeks without touching one, it’s the longest time I’ve been away from a basketball since I was 16.”
Away from basketball, what is your favourite ever TV show?
“Ahhhhh man there’s so many! That is so tough. I’ll probably have to go for ‘My Wife and Kids’.”
Imagine you are going out for a meal, are you having a starter or a desert?
“Starter.”
Summer or Winter?
“Summer.”
Looking ahead to next season, what are your aims moving forward?
“My main goal is to win silverware with Cheshire Phoenix.”
COVID-19 restrictions permitting, how important will the #NixNation be in our quest to succeed?
“Their support is huge, hopefully they can get some people in but I don’t know how it is going to work. They give us another gear.”
Have you got any interesting stories from lockdown?
“During lockdown, there were points where I was a bit down so some Nix fans reached out to me to make sure I was okay – they’re amazing, man.”
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
“I see myself still playing pro but obviously closer to the tail end of my career, settling down with a house and the foundations of a family. I’ll probably have a business involving coaching, too.”