"I'm really looking forward to it," Danial said. "I'm excited to play again because I haven't played in a long time and I worked really hard."

Danial also received an academic scholarship, which Brendle said demonstrates a commitment to life beyond the court.

"I know that's he's got a ton of upside as player, he's a very good wing player," he said. "But he's also a very good student - he exemplifies everything we want in our student athletes."

Daron Williams, Danial's coach at Mitchell High, said the young player would prove an asset to the college's team from day one.

"He'll be able to help Montreat as soon as they need him to," Williams said. "This year he really improved his outside shot. The last three years he's been able to get inside, get in the lane, and finish. But adding those perimeter moves will make that much harder to guard."

Parents Alfred and Jill hope the experience allows their son to reach his full potential.

"It's a wonderful opportunity for him," Alfred said.

"We just want him to fulfill his dreams, and - obviously - get a good education," Jill said.

By Jonathan Robbins; Mitchell News-Journal