University of Minnesota Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Akeem and Darin
2/28/2017 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Akeem Springs
Akeem Springs grew up in a sports household, playing both football and basketball.
"Growing up, it was a way to stay out of trouble for everyone," said Springs. "Instead of going to amusement parks and stuff like that, we were always playing a sport and it just came naturally. It was all we knew."
Fast forward to Springs choosing to play collegiate basketball, his undergraduate career beginning at Northern Illinois and ending at Wisconsin Milwaukee.
Springs decided it was best to finish his undergraduate degree at that time. "I thought it'd be better for me and for everyone if I just moved on and tried to play at the highest level."
The 6-4 guard was added to Minnesota's roster in April of 2016 after averaging 13.2 points per game as well as 5.3 rebounds per game with UW-Milwaukee.
"I never saw myself playing for the Gophers, but I always saw myself as a Big Ten kid, growing up in the Midwest," Springs said. "That's why beating Illinois and Iowa, any big ten team - Northwestern for sure - that's why it was such a big deal for me."
The warm reception that Springs has had since becoming a Golden Gopher has been overwhelming for him, especially with the attendance at this season's games.
"I love it," said Springs. "It's definitely an experience I'm going to remember for the rest of my life. The fans are great. I'm not used to playing in front of a crowd that's like this night in, night out. "
Not only does Springs appreciate the fans, but he loves the team he plays with, calling himself the "dad of the team" because of all the ups and down he's been through from being in the game so long.
"I love my teammates," Springs said. "I know these are going to be relationships that I have for the rest of my life. It's humbling to take a step back and look at my years in college and how it's coming to an end."
As for next season, the redshirt senior sees himself being payed to play basketball, though will be willing to assist Maroon and Gold if needed.
"I'll probably be playing professionally next year, but I want to be the guy that the team can just call on and reach out to. I expect them to be really good next year, so I don't expect too many bad calls."
Darin Haugh
Being from Prior Lake, Minnesota, Darin Haugh has been a Golden Gopher fan for as long as he can remember. He can recall coming to games as a kid, so wearing the M is huge for him.
"It means everything for me," shared Haugh. "It's something that I've wanted since I was a little kid. Being a Gopher, representing my state for playing basketball, a thing I love doing the most, means everything from."
In high school, Haugh was able to attend a game with Gopher graduate Joey King while King was being recruited. The pair were given the tour of the facilities, including the locker room.
Haugh began his collegiate basketball journey at UW-Platteville, soon transferring to Bethany Lutheran for his sophomore season.
Finally, the 5-11 guard made his way to the University of Minnesota, though this wasn't always his plan.
"It was hard," said Haugh. "I was at two separate colleges beforehand and I transferred from both of them due to injuries. I transferred here to get better schooling."
Playing basketball while at the U was a perk for Haugh, who thought, "Growing up, I always wanted to be a Gopher. I always thought it would be possible. I didn't see why not."
For his last season with Maroon and Gold, Haugh received a full scholarship after being a walk-on for two seasons. "It really felt like a dream come true."
"He has been the epitome of an outstanding student-athlete on and off the court after the two years he has been here," said head coach Richard Pitino after the scholarship was awarded of Haugh. "He is hard-working, loyal and a great teammate."
Following graduation, Haugh is hoping to get into pharmacy school here at Minnesota.
"I'm definitely going to come back and watch the games. If they need me to work with anyone or talk to anyone, I'm always willing to do that."
- by Caroline Sobek, Athletic Communications Student Assistant
