MBB12/5/2017 11:31 AM | By: Cal Athletics

Fast Break: Darius McNeill

With nine newcomers on this year's Cal Men's Basketball roster, there are plenty of fresh faces to get to know among the Golden Bears. Each week leading up to Pac-12 play, the Fast Break is bringing five key facts about a Cal newcomer to CalBears.com. Next up in the series is freshmen Darius McNeill, who is a native of Houston, Texas and Cal's starting point guard.

Previous Fast Break spotlights:

1. D Boogie Man

During his high school days, McNeill's nickname D Boogie was born, and it has stuck with him ever since. He's even incorporated the nickname into his twitter handle, @Dboogie_1.

"In a high school game, I made two people fall and people just said 'D Boogie,' and then everybody just kept saying it," McNeill shared.

2. WWE Fandom

At a young age, McNeill was an avid fan of the WWE, and it was one of his primary interests before he started playing basketball in the seventh grade.

"I never played basketball before the seventh grade. I was just into WWE and wrestling," McNeill said. "I used to tell my Mom to record it,, and then I would run in the house, and watch it."

McNeill especially enjoyed watching John Cena and Rey Mysterio, even practicing their signature moves.

3. Thunder Up

Growing up in Houston, Texas, McNeill was a big fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder, and their star point guard Russell Westbrook, who he deems his favorite player.

"I like the way he acts, and carries himself," McNeill said. "I like the way he dresses too. I like his style on the court, and off the court."

4. The Reader

McNeill's favorite subject is English, and he enjoys expanding his knowledge through reading. He got his love of books through his grandmother, who often reads fiction books throughout her house.

"I like to learn stuff by reading different books," he explained.

5. Design on the Mind

Aside from basketball skills, he would like to improve upon his drawing skills, and maybe one day work in the fashion industry. Similar to Westbrook's foray into fashion, McNeill could picture himself one day breaking into the fashion industry with a successful basketball career.