Mellow Rom go-to player for Lancers

Unassuming. Relaxed. Reserved.

Those aren’t characteristics used to describe every star athlete, but they’re qualities that have helped shape Daniel Rom, the top-ranked high school varsity boys basketball player in the province.

You wouldn’t be the first to be surprised by Rom. The 6-5 guard’s mellow demeanour off the court might leave some questioning if they’re watching the same player when his elite competitive nature takes over on it.

“I’ve heard that from a couple of people where my demeanour is very, I don’t know, ‘relaxed.’ When I’m on the court, I don’t really pay attention to it,” said Rom, who is in Grade 11.

“I feel like when I get on the court, it’s just basketball. There’s nothing else really going on. I’m just there playing basketball with my team, and we’re just doing everything we can to win.”

It’s worked well for him since arriving in high school. After one year on the Dakota Lancers’ junior varsity squad, he started for the varsity team as a Grade 10 player and has become a go-to player this season.

“I think in both years, our team dynamic started out as several guys sharing fairly equally the scoring responsibilities and, by the end of last year, his numbers in the last three weeks took a jump up, and he kind of separated himself scoring-wise from other guys on our team,” said Lancers head coach Dean Favoni, who believes Rom’s personality has been an asset to the young player.

“I think in highly competitive situations, it’s helpful to have a personality trait that allows you to keep a certain sense of calm in your demeanour, which I think probably helps the clarity of your thinking and not allowing yourself to get overwhelmed by the circumstance or the moment.”

Rom has helped lead the Lancers to a 31-1 record and, as of Thursday, back to the AAAA provincial semifinals. Dakota is looking to get back to the provincial final for the second year in a row, in hopes of capturing its first title in 24 years.

The Lancers pride themselves on being a well-balanced team, but when they need a bucket, Rom has become the primary option.

“Coming into this season, off of last season, I knew that this year I would have more eyes on me and stuff like that, but our team this year — and I’m so grateful to have a team that we have this year — we have so many talented guys, and we’re really a family on and off the court,” Rom said.

“His body control, physical literacy and physical awareness when he’s in the air are well beyond that of an average high school player.”

“So I know that even when I’m not touching the ball as much, or if it’s not going for me, I know that I have guys that have my back, and they’re able to do anything that I can.”

Favoni said it was evident that Rom was soon to be an elite player in the province when he made the varsity team last year. He is the kind of talent that gets coaches excited because he hasn’t even scratched the surface of his potential.

“Any coach that has an elite player gets excited when they show really well, but there are things that he does in practice that nobody else sees that, as coaches, we just kind of look around at each other and like, ‘Did you see that? Like, that was a next level pass,’ or ‘that was a next level finish,’ or ‘that rebound put back didn’t look like the average high school kid,’” said Favoni.

“His body control, physical literacy and physical awareness when he’s in the air are well beyond that of an average high school player.”

Those qualities have carried across multiple sports. Rom could have had an equally bright future in volleyball if that’s the path he chose. He started volleyball in Grade 7 because he understood the benefits of playing multiple sports, and quickly developed into an exceptional player.

Earlier this school year, he was voted the No. 7 varsity volleyball player in the province — not bad for a secondary sport.

His raw abilities didn’t fall far from the tree. Both of his parents played high-level sport in Europe, with dad excelling in handball and mom playing pro basketball. His older sister, Darya, plays for the Manitoba Bisons.

“So much,” Rom said of how much he’s leaned on his family of athletes. “My mom is my biggest inspiration. Seeing her play pro basketball, and now that I have a chance to play basketball and play for my family, it’s super cool.

“Everybody in my family, I’ve never had a support system better than what I have around me right now, and they’ve helped me in so many ways, just asking questions and advice. Seeing (Darya) go through her processes and all of that stuff, it’s great to know that I can ask them questions about almost anything, and they’re going to be able to help me.”

Rom’s age prevents him from formally signing anywhere, but he has begun conversations with Canadian universities. He figures to have several offers when it comes time to choose where he wants to continue his career.

“He’s really easy to coach because he wants to learn and he wants to get better,” Favoni said, “and really has a cerebral attitude towards the game and wants basketball to be part of his future beyond high school and beyond university.”

 

Free Press’s top 10 high school varsity boys’ basketball players

A list compiled with voting from a panel of coaches

1. Daniel Rom, guard

Dakota Lancers, Grade 11

An athletic and versatile point guard, he’s capable of sliding into multiple positions while finishing strong at the rim and knocking down shots with a polished, high-level touch. He thrives in transition, using his speed and court vision to create easy opportunities for himself and his teammates. With deep shooting range, natural poise and excellent anticipation on both ends of the floor, he consistently dictates the pace and makes an impact wherever he plays.

 

2. Liam Jaro, guard

Miles Macdonell Buckeyes, Grade 12

A standout in transition, he uses his speed and exceptional floor vision to push the pace and create opportunities. He draws defenders effectively and finishes strong at the rim. A pure shooter with a smooth rhythm, he becomes extremely difficult to stop once he heats up. As a dynamic guard with a high motor and reliable shooting touch, he consistently brings energy and scoring to his team.

 

3. Andrey Yamborko, forward

Maples Marauders, Grade 12

He’s had an outstanding season, leading his team in several key areas while showcasing true versatility. Able to play both inside and out, he scores in a variety of ways and adapts to whatever his team needs. A true Swiss-army-knife player, he contributes across the board — scoring, defending, rebounding and doing all the little things that keep his team competitive. His strength and ability to run in transition make him a reliable impact player on both ends of the floor.

 

4. Joaquin Ong, guard

St. Paul’s Crusaders, Grade 12

An explosive offensive guard, he plays with elite speed and agility that allow him to break down defenses with ease. His versatile skill set lets him score in a variety of ways — whether knocking down shots, slashing to the rim or creating opportunities off the dribble. A reliable shooter and dynamic attacker, he energizes his team’s offence and consistently drives their scoring rhythm.

 

5. Michael Kallon, guard

River East Kodiaks, Grade 12

A high-level athlete who impacts the game on both ends, he fills the stat sheet in nearly every category. As a big guard with a smooth-shooting touch, he can score from multiple spots on the floor while creating matchup problems for opposing teams. His length and mobility make him an effective defender, using his reach to contest shots and disrupt plays. With his versatility and all-around production, he consistently stands out.

 

6. Kobe Alejo, guard

Churchill Bulldogs, Grade 12

A polished offensive threat, he can score fluidly off the dribble or step into clean catch-and-shoot looks. With a strong midrange game and the ability to make sharp, timely passes, he consistently creates efficient opportunities for his team. His poise with the ball and balanced skill set make him a reliable and dangerous option in any scoring situation.

 

7. Veer Brar, guard

Maples Marauders, Grade 10

A tireless worker with exceptional shooting range, he can attack the rim or free himself for a quick, smooth release. His pure shooting ability allows him to compete with the best, and he consistently plays with calmness and patience. A smart decision-maker who reads the floor well, he gets to the basket with ease and knocks down shots at a high level, making him a dangerous offensive threat in any matchup.

 

8. Brady Penner, forward

Dakota Lancers, Grade 12

A true all-around contributor, he embraces the toughest jobs on the floor while still delivering steady scoring and aggressive rebounding. His determination and work ethic show on both ends, making him a physical presence who battles every possession. As a strong big with solid footwork, he can finish through contact or with finesse, giving him versatility around the rim and making him a reliable interior force for his team.

 

9. Bruno Van Bewer, guard

Jeanne-Sauvé Olympiens, Grade 12

One of the top pure shooters in high school, he can score effortlessly from deep while also finishing inside with versatility. In transition, he moves well and converts in multiple ways, using his agility and touch. His high energy and strong motor fuel his competitive edge, and his length on the defensive end helps him contest shots and disrupt plays. A confident scorer with a complete offensive toolkit, he consistently makes an impact all over the floor.

 

10. Jacob Medina, guard

Sisler Spartans, Grade 12

A versatile and explosive guard, he attacks the rim with confidence while also knocking down open jumpers and three-pointers with ease. Defensively, he stands out for his on-ball presence; his quick hands and strong body control allow him to strip opponents cleanly or force turnovers in the open court. His two-way impact makes him a constant difference-maker on both ends of the floor.

Honourable mentions: Tobi Oladapo (guard, Windsor Park Royals, Grade 12); Kai Becker (guard, Vincent Massey Trojans, Grade 10); Markus Stevenson (guard, Vincent Massey Vikings, Grade 11); Riley Guieb (guard, Garden City Gophers, Grade 12); Daniyal Khan (guard, Fort Richmond Centurions, Grade 12)

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