Ex-Richards Standout McDaniel Thrilled to Be Coaching at His Alma Mater

Demetrius McDaniel thought he missed his only chance to experience a state championship when he graduated from Richards.

He’s grateful that he was wrong.

When the Bulldogs captured the program’s only state championship in 2008, McDaniel soaked in the experience as an assistant varsity coach.

“I thought when we let it slip away my senior year, that was going to be the only chance Richards had to win a state championship,” McDaniel said of the Bulldogs’ 64-63 supersectional loss to Joliet Township. “I thought about our loss every day until (Richards) won it, so that was real special. To play in front of 10,000 people (in Peoria) and win against the big boys was an unbelievable experience.”

Richards coach John Chappetto hired McDaniel to be his assistant in 2005.

McDaniel was coaching his brother, Kodhamus Llongbey, in eighth grade when Chappetto came to watch a game.

“I just could tell Demetrius had a special ability with young adults and as a coach. I told him that I wanted him to coach with me,” said Chappetto, who also coached McDaniel’s other brothers, Dwyane Wade and Lester McDaniel. “I coached (Demetrius) when he was 14, and it’s special to have him back.

"He’s made a tremendous impact personally and emotionally. He’s had a huge impact on the players because they know he was a player at Richards. He grew up in Robbins, so when he says something basketball-wise or not, they listen to everything he has to say.

“He’s intense and raises the level of play in everyone. He’s intelligent about the game, he’s passionate, loyal and everything you want in an assistant. He’s filled with personality. As intense as he is, he’s that funny as well. He can make the entire room laugh.”

The Bulldogs won regional championships in each of McDaniel’s first three years as an assistant and captured four straight South Suburban Conference titles.

“I’m hard on them, but they know when they need me I’ll be there for them,” McDaniel said. “I’m relentless. I get on them because I want to help the kids get better. Basketball is my life and coaching is my calling. They love me and I love them. I crack jokes and try to keep the mood light, but when it’s time to work, they work. They want to be challenged and pushed and that’s what I do for them.”