The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Photo by: Ken Shepherd
Q+A with UAB MBB's Daniel Ortiz
9/8/2023 7:04:00 PM | Men's Basketball
BIRMINGHAM - Daniel Ortiz is a junior guard from Shreveport, Louisiana entering his first season on the UAB men's basketball team. Ortiz spent the last two seasons at North Alabama where he averaged 14.6 points per game and 3.5 rebounds per game over his 63 appearances.
What made you choose UAB?
"I chose UAB because I felt it was the best fit for me and I would be able to showcase my skills on a high level while winning, which is the most important thing to me coming into my junior year. Also, I feel AK is the best coach for me because he challenges me and he doesn't shy away from players which allows them to grow and I feel he's going to continue to grow my game and allow me to be the best version of myself and take me to another level. I just have to continue to work, listen, and comprehend the things that are being taught to be able to be the best version of myself."
What has stood out to you since the start of practice?
"Something that has stood out to me in practice is how detailed and precise AK is when it comes to being in certain spots, running certain sets and the spacing that he looks for when it comes to playing."
Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?
"I don't really have superstitions because I believe as long as I got the man above, I'm good. So, I would say that's my only thing I have to pray or have a conversation with him before every game or practice or it won't feel right."
Who is your favorite musical artist?
"My favorite musical artist is either YoungBoy or Rod Wave as far as the current artists but I'm an old soul so old school music is what I prefer."
Who is the player that you model your game after the most?
"I won't say I model my game after anyone, but I do watch a lot of film on Dame, Tremont Waters, and of course players like Steph and Kyrie. I'm more so trying to take little things from their game and infiltrate into my game."
How would you describe your game?
"I would describe my game as versatile. I feel I impact winning in multiple ways, but the best thing I do is shoot. Whether it be off the dribble or catch and shoot, I'll take that first but I can get to the rim, make plays for others, rebound, defend, lead and whatever my coach asks of me I'll try my best to be that person."
Which one of your teammates are you expecting a big year from?
"I expect big years from a few of my teammates honestly. AJ [Alejandro Vasquez], CC [Christian Coleman], Yax [Yaxel Lendeborg], and a few others because I see what some of these are capable of on a daily basis, and I know when it comes down to the game those guys are going to get to it."
What is it like playing for Andy Kennedy?
"I haven't played for him in a game yet, but like I said for a player that has the aspirations that I have, AK is the guy that I need because he's going to keep me honest and he's not going to shy away from telling me what it is. It can be difficult sometimes because I've been a certain player my whole life but I understand change is necessary to continue to grow and sprout. AK is the kind of coach I'll have at the next level and I believe he's going to make me grow as a player and in the end I know I'll be grateful for him."
Why do you wear No. 2?
"I wear No. 2 because of Kyrie even though my favorite player is Steph Curry. Honestly, I wore 30 since I was in fourth grade and when I got to high school as a freshman the No. 30 jersey was too big and I always loved Kyrie so I chose to go with No. 2 and I've been with it ever since."
Favorite basketball memory?
"My favorite basketball memory is probably when I went back home after my freshman year of college and saw how I was able to impact my area and kids looking up to me. That really humbled me and inspired me to keep pushing because where I'm from kids don't believe in themselves. It's so hard being there and going through what we have to go through that college doesn't feel like a reality and I was one of them, so when I was able to come home and tell the lil bros and others like "yeah, you can do whatever you want bro just grind at it and you'll surprise yourself." That's something I was really inspired by, and I love all my lil bros and know a lot of them are the future."
2023-24 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2023-24 UAB men's basketball season are available starting as low as $110. Season ticket packages will feature all home games during UAB's inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games at Bartow Arena. Fans may renew season tickets, purchase new season tickets, or request more information on season ticket options here. For more information about season ticket pricing, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2023 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
What made you choose UAB?
"I chose UAB because I felt it was the best fit for me and I would be able to showcase my skills on a high level while winning, which is the most important thing to me coming into my junior year. Also, I feel AK is the best coach for me because he challenges me and he doesn't shy away from players which allows them to grow and I feel he's going to continue to grow my game and allow me to be the best version of myself and take me to another level. I just have to continue to work, listen, and comprehend the things that are being taught to be able to be the best version of myself."
What has stood out to you since the start of practice?
"Something that has stood out to me in practice is how detailed and precise AK is when it comes to being in certain spots, running certain sets and the spacing that he looks for when it comes to playing."
Do you have any pregame superstitions or rituals?
"I don't really have superstitions because I believe as long as I got the man above, I'm good. So, I would say that's my only thing I have to pray or have a conversation with him before every game or practice or it won't feel right."
Who is your favorite musical artist?
"My favorite musical artist is either YoungBoy or Rod Wave as far as the current artists but I'm an old soul so old school music is what I prefer."
Who is the player that you model your game after the most?
"I won't say I model my game after anyone, but I do watch a lot of film on Dame, Tremont Waters, and of course players like Steph and Kyrie. I'm more so trying to take little things from their game and infiltrate into my game."
How would you describe your game?
"I would describe my game as versatile. I feel I impact winning in multiple ways, but the best thing I do is shoot. Whether it be off the dribble or catch and shoot, I'll take that first but I can get to the rim, make plays for others, rebound, defend, lead and whatever my coach asks of me I'll try my best to be that person."
Which one of your teammates are you expecting a big year from?
"I expect big years from a few of my teammates honestly. AJ [Alejandro Vasquez], CC [Christian Coleman], Yax [Yaxel Lendeborg], and a few others because I see what some of these are capable of on a daily basis, and I know when it comes down to the game those guys are going to get to it."
What is it like playing for Andy Kennedy?
"I haven't played for him in a game yet, but like I said for a player that has the aspirations that I have, AK is the guy that I need because he's going to keep me honest and he's not going to shy away from telling me what it is. It can be difficult sometimes because I've been a certain player my whole life but I understand change is necessary to continue to grow and sprout. AK is the kind of coach I'll have at the next level and I believe he's going to make me grow as a player and in the end I know I'll be grateful for him."
Why do you wear No. 2?
"I wear No. 2 because of Kyrie even though my favorite player is Steph Curry. Honestly, I wore 30 since I was in fourth grade and when I got to high school as a freshman the No. 30 jersey was too big and I always loved Kyrie so I chose to go with No. 2 and I've been with it ever since."
Favorite basketball memory?
"My favorite basketball memory is probably when I went back home after my freshman year of college and saw how I was able to impact my area and kids looking up to me. That really humbled me and inspired me to keep pushing because where I'm from kids don't believe in themselves. It's so hard being there and going through what we have to go through that college doesn't feel like a reality and I was one of them, so when I was able to come home and tell the lil bros and others like "yeah, you can do whatever you want bro just grind at it and you'll surprise yourself." That's something I was really inspired by, and I love all my lil bros and know a lot of them are the future."
2023-24 SEASON TICKETS
Season tickets for the 2023-24 UAB men's basketball season are available starting as low as $110. Season ticket packages will feature all home games during UAB's inaugural season in the American Athletic Conference and provide the most cost-effective way to attend games at Bartow Arena. Fans may renew season tickets, purchase new season tickets, or request more information on season ticket options here. For more information about season ticket pricing, call the UAB Athletics Ticket Office at (205) 975-UAB1.
POWER UP
UAB Athletics is excited to officially compete in the American Athletic Conference and needs Blazer Nation to Power Up by becoming a 2023 Blazer Boosters member. Join Blazer Boosters today as UAB student-athletes compete for championships, graduate with honors, and make a difference in our community.
FOLLOW THE BLAZERS
For more information on the UAB men's basketball team, follow @UAB_MBB on Twitter and Instagram.
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Men's Basketball
Forward
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
/ Men's Basketball
Guard
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