ROCHESTER, Mich. —
Emmanuel Newsome has been destined to play basketball at the Division I level. His grandfather Emanuel is the former all-time leading scorer at Western Michigan, while his father Eric ranks fourth all-time in career points at Miami of Ohio. Heading into his third year at Oakland, Newsome will be considered a leader for a team with NCAA Tournament aspirations.
We sat down with Newsome to discuss his family basketball roots, connection to Dwayne Wade, and career at OU.
Both your dad and grandfather played Division I college basketball. Were you pretty much destined to do the same, or did you get into the game at a later age?
I was destined. Ever since I was a kid, there was always a ball in my hands. They were both pushing me to play. It is in my blood. My dad and grandpa had me going through little cone drills by the time I was two, three, or four years old. I had two older brothers, so I was trying to be just like them.
Did your brothers end up playing basketball at a high level as well?
My older brother played at Central State, which is an HBCU school in Ohio. My oldest brother did not play in college but was also a big fan.
How was your experience competing with Wade Elite AAU growing up?
It was really good. Dwayne (Wade) was good to us and made sure we played around to country to get exposure everywhere. He made sure we had all of the gear we need and was all-around just a great role model.
What was the best part about your stint with the group?
I would say all of the traveling we did together. We would go from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to New York. We pretty much went to every big city you could imagine.
Were you a big fan of Dwayne Wade growing up because of your affiliation with his AAU team?
He was my favorite player growing up. I am a Heat fan, but I rooted for him, even when he went over to Chicago and Cleveland later in his career.
What led you to attend Oakland?
My pops and grandpa had a good connection with Coach Kampe from way back in the day. The guards Kampe has produced, from Kay Felder to Kendrick Nunn, influenced my decision as well. Zaire (Wade) and I actually took an unofficial visit to Oakland in 2018, when Kendrick was on the team. I eventually committed to Oakland in 2019.
You played against some top players in the nation during your AAU and high school career. What differences have you noticed playing against those guys and collegiate players?
The college level is a complete step up. The guys are bigger, stronger, and faster. Players have a higher IQ at the college level, and more is on the line than AAU ball.
Oakland is known for playing several Power Five programs each season. Did playing against top-tier teams give you a level of comfort or confidence coming into your first year with the Golden Grizzlies?
It gave me a level of confidence to go out there and play my best. I always have faith in myself and know what I need to do whenever my name is called.
You have wrapped up two seasons of college basketball at Oakland. From your experience, what are the most critical factors needed to be successful on the court and in the classroom?
Staying consistent is the number one priority. That relates to many factors, including going to the gym daily. Overcoming adversity is a significant factor as well. When something does not go your way, you need to stay and push through it instead of quitting or giving up. That is what a lot of guys do. They hit some adversity and break. Once you are at this level, you need to keep going and not let anything take you off your track.
You will be one of the veterans on the team next season as a third-year player. Do you plan to take some of the newcomers under your wing and show them the ropes of college basketball?
I am definitely going to help the young guys and embrace the leadership role just like how X (
Xavier Hill-Mais) and Brad (Brechting) did during my freshman year. Time flew by fast because it feels like yesterday. But I am up for the challenge to help the guys and teach them the Grizzly way.
Have you developed a routine during basketball season? Or does the entire team have a pattern already set day in, day out?
Everybody has a different routine because of the variety of responsibilities required on a daily basis. We all have to hit the gym, stretch, manage injuries, go to the weight room, eat meals, go to classes, and more. I like to stretch a lot and do yoga to keep my body loose. I get up a lot of shots and eat good. In my opinion, that can go a long way.
I am sure that Covid-19 caused your routine to change drastically. How did you manage to keep your sanity early in the season when you had to quarantine for a few weeks?
A couple of us were quarantined together in a house for over two weeks. I had Covid but did not feel that sick compared to others. My pops said that I had to keep working out and stay ready. To stay prepared, I ran the stairs and did some weights in my room. It was pretty tough, especially since I could not even go outside. I did not bring my TV either, which made it even more challenging, but I got through it.
As a Florida native, how much of an adjustment was it to deal with Michigan weather?
Before Oakland, I had never lived in a cold climate like Michigan. It was a huge change for me. I lived in Florida for most of my life, but when I did move, it was to the Bahamas for two years. I eventually got used to the colder weather and realized that it is not too bad.
To wrap things up, what have you been working on this offseason in Florida?
I train with my dad and grandpa all of the time. They teach me things they used to do during their days at the college and pro level to get me ready for the upcoming season.
