Malcolm Delaney hasn’t changed his mind.
Delaney, a Towson Catholic senior and The Examiner?s boys basketball player of the year, will follow through on his commitment to play for Virginia Tech next winter despite Monday?s tragic shooting spree that left 33 dead on the Blacksburg, Va., campus.
And he doesn?t want to live on campus, but that was a decision he made before this week?s events.
Delaney, a 6-foot-4 guard, led the No. 1 Owls to a 32-6 record and titles in the Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Baltimore Catholic League. He averaged 19.3 points, 4.2 assists and 2.7 steals per game.
Most colleges require freshman to live on campus. Delaney admitted he was aware of that.
“That rule might change. I’d rather not live on campus,” Delaney said.
In an interview with The Examiner Monday night, Delaney spoke on his reaction to the tragedy.
Examiner: What came to your mind when you first learned of Monday?s shootings?
Malcolm Delaney: I really didn’t know much about it. I was in class when I first found out. I’m just hearing stuff now. It’s sad.
E: Have you talked to anyone on campus?
MD: I talked to one of the coaches and a manager. They don’t know names or anything like that. They seem to be doing OK. It was just in one part of the campus, so a lot of people probably didn’t know much until the announcement came.
E: How many questions have you been asked about the events?
MD: My phone hasn’t stopped ringing since about 2:30 when I got out of school. [I had a lot of] messages just asking me about what I heard. And I just had an interview with [local radio station] 92Q about what I thought.
E: You were in elementary school when the shooting at Columbine (Colo.) High took place. Do you remember those events and how do they compare to Monday’s shooting?
MD: I remember that. I think this is probably worse because it could have been controlled more. I think it’s more serious than Columbine.
E: What impact will Monday’s events have on the Virginia Tech community? What about Tech athletics?
MD: I think a lot of people will be fearful unless they get more security or tightenit up. I don’t think it’ll effect recruiting a lot, because it doesn’t happen that often. I think a lot of the athletic teams will separate the teams from normal dormitories and get athletic living space. I think winning could bring the community together a lot with the athletics.
E: Will this impact the rising basketball program, particularly with your fellow recruits?
MD: The coaches said they’ve talked to other recruits and everything is still OK. I haven’t gotten a chance to talk to anyone else yet.
E: Are you ready?
MD: I’m really excited to get down there, work on my game and get ready for the season. I’m just ready to go to college.
