By Nick Pantages
@nick_pantages22
SPIRE Academy forward Aiden Derkack is the No. 48 recruit in the country for the class of 2026. Derkack’s SPIRE team played two games at the Hoophall Classic, and won both of them. Although Derkack is not the primary scoring option from SPIRE, his unselfish playstyle and willingness to play defense, rebound and run the floor makes him a player that can fit into any system. He showed this at the Panini Hoophall Classic, in two wins for SPIRE. In Sunday’s game against Sunrise Christian, Derdack only scored four points, but did all the little things coaches love, in addition to collecting three steals. He had a better offensive performance in Monday’s win over Brewster, posting 12 points and connecting on two 3-pointers and a couple nice drives.
The system he will be fitting into next year will be Providence College’s fast-paced system under head coach Kim English. Derkack committed to the Friars last October, and ranks as the program’s 11th best recruit ever, according to 247Sports. The Student’s Nick Pantages caught up with Derkack to ask him to learn his favorite meal, the player he tried to copy in his driveway and the Big East road game he’s most looking forward to next year.
The Student: If you’re eating out at a restaurant, what’s your go to meal?
Derkack: Probably a good steak.
The Student: If you had a walk up song, what would it be?
Derkack: Probably Time 4 Sumaksion by Redman.
The Student: You’re from New Jersey, Who do you think’s the best Jersey hooper ever?
Derkack: I think I’d be wrong if I didn’t say Kyrie [Irving].
The Student: Whose moves were you trying to emulate when you were shooting around in the driveway?
Derkack: Kyrie was one of those guys, probably Kyrie and KD [Kevin Durant].
The Student: How’s playing for a program like SPIRE help you prepare for the next level?
Derkack: I mean, it’s the highest level I could play in high school. I’m playing with the best players in the country. So it’s just a great starting step for next year.
The Student: What made you pick Providence?
Derkack: I think first, obviously, the coaching staff, amazing coaching staff. They like to play fast and get up and down [the court] and it’s a group of really good guys, and I think I’m gonna fit very well.
The Student: Providence fans are known for their social media presence, so how crazy did your socials get after you announce your commitment?
Derkack: “I was talking to Coach English about this. I think I gained 2,000 followers on Instagram, which is crazy. So yeah, I’m very excited for next year with the PC fans.”
The Student: What Big East road game are you most looking forward to playing?
Derkack: “I think St John’s, playing close to home. I’d probably say St John’s and Seton Hall are the ones that I’ve circled. MSG is a place I want to play, for sure.”
The Student: Game on the line coach calls an iso, what move are you going to?
Derkack: Definitely a hesi-pull, [moving] right-to-left.
Photo by Conor Rourke/The Student