Radnor’s Danny Rosenblum is Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week (Dec. 26, 2022 – Jan. 1, 2023)

The senior point guard, a second team All-Main Line and All-Central League boys’ basketball selection last winter, has been a key factor in the Raptors’ fine start this season. A three-sport athlete (soccer, basketball, baseball), Rosenblum brings many abilities to the Radnor squad, and last winter averaged 8 ppg, 6 apg and close to 6 rpg as the Raptors advanced to the District 1 5A final and the Sweet 16 of the PIAA state tourney for the first time since 1961. Last summer, Rosenblum led the USA Men’s Basketball Team to a gold medal at the Maccabiah Games in Israel. Radnor boys basketball head coach Jamie Chadwin said, “Danny is the consummate leader and team player.  The classiest of kids, he is a role model for all in the program.” Next winter, Rosenblum will play basketball for the University of Rochester.

 

Q: What has been your favorite memory of your Radnor basketball career to date – can you share it with us?

 

A: My favorite memory from Radnor basketball was stepping onto the court in the Liacouras Center in the District 1 5A championship final last winter. Although the outcome of that game is obviously one of my least favorite memories, it has fueled me for this season. Playing on that stage was unlike any feeling I’ve ever experienced but one I’m looking forward to revisiting this season.

 

Q: How do you see your leadership role as a point guard?

 

A: As a point guard, I have to be an extension of my coaches. Whether that’s directing my teammates through the offense/defensive sets or controlling the pace of the game, I’m comfortable taking a lot of responsibility on the court.

 

Q: What do you think is the biggest key to effective rebounding?

 

A: To me, the biggest key to effective rebounding is boxing my man out early and supporting my teammates. You don’t typically see guards in the paint rebounding so that allows me to help crash the defensive boards.

 

Q: What part of your game have you worked on the most recently?

 

A: During this off season I’ve been working on making my outside shot more consistent, which has helped create more options for both me and my teammates as an offensive threat.

 

Q: Tell us a little about your start in basketball. Who have been your top basketball mentors, and what was the most important thing you learned from each of them?

 

A: I started playing organized basketball in 2nd grade and was first coached by my dad. My mom and my dad have always been supportive of my dream to play college basketball as a student athlete and never let me lose sight of the work required to accomplish that goal.

 

My next coach/mentor was Dan O’Sullivan who first introduced me to AAU basketball from 5th to 7th grade. He threw us into high level tournaments, sometimes playing multiple years up, and expected us to dominate. Our team consisted of a number of top level players who always played basketball the right way. Playing with coach O’Sullivan taught me to play poised under pressure.

 

For the rest of my AAU career, I played with coach Jason Fisher. Coach Fisher taught me exactly what it took to become a college point guard, and from that point on demanded nothing less from me.

 

My high school coach, Jamie Chadwin, has been a huge mentor in my basketball career. He has trusted me on the court since my freshman year. He’s been supportive in my college search and is always trying to help us grow as young men. Coach Josh, Coach Malc, Bilal Benn, Austin (Ace) Carrol, and Alvin Williams devoted endless hours with me in the gym and have helped me develop my skill set and basketball IQ.

 

Q: You wear uniform jersey No. 0 for Radnor basketball – is there a reason you chose that number?

 

A: I started wearing number 0 because of my old favorite player Damian Lillard.

 

Q: What advantages do you think being a 3-sport athlete offers, compared to specializing in just one sport in high school?

 

A: I’ve been able to take aspects from each sport and apply them to basketball. Soccer has helped with my footwork and playing infield in baseball has helped with my hands, along with my passing. I love playing all three sports, and sometimes it’s refreshing mentally and physically to take a break from basketball.

 

Q: What is your favorite memory of your trip to Israel last summer for the Maccabiah Games?

 

A: My favorite memory from that trip, besides beating Israel in the championship, was visiting the Dead Sea. While driving to the sea you could see the border between Israel and Jordan. Floating at the top of the water was just a surreal experience.

 

Q: What is your favorite academic course at Radnor? What do you think you might like to major in at the University of Rochester? Is there a career path that particularly appeals to you at the present time?

 

A: My favorite course in Radnor is Economics. I would like to major in business at U of R, which requires you to incorporate classes in economics. After school I’d like to go into the marketing side of business, but I’m open to finding whatever interests me most.

 

Q: Do you participate in any other extracurricular activities at Radnor other than basketball, soccer and baseball?

 

A: I participate in the Second Set of Hands Club, which helps support families with cancer patients. From food drives to writing holiday cards, this club is always looking to ease the constant stress on these families. I also participate in grub for pups which brings supplies for dogs living in local shelters.

 

Fun facts – Danny Rosenblum

Favorite book: Dear Martin.

Favorite author: Malcolm Gladwell.

Favorite TV show: Friends.

Favorite movie: Avengers Infinity War.

Favorite athlete: Jordan Poole.

Favorite pre-game pump-up song: Blue Notes – Meek Mill.

Favorite team: Sixers.

Favorite place to visit: Grand Cayman.

Favorite pre-game meal: Grilled chicken sandwich.

Person I most admire, and why: “I most admire my dad because of his perseverance and constant positive attitude after being diagnosed with GBS in 2020. To this day he works relentlessly to get his body even better than it was before.”

Family members: parents Jeff and Lon, sisters Sarah and Audrey, brother Zach.

 

(To be selected as Main Line Boys Athlete of the Week, a student-athlete must first be nominated by his coach.)