Daniel Orozco
senior
When did basketball grab your interest?
In middle school, I was more of a runner. During the pandemic I started picking up the basketball and shooting and playing with friends. I kind of went fully into basketball after that.
What do you enjoy about playing for Central?
I love going to practice every day and competing with everyone. I'm excited to play with my brother, Dillon, a junior, and watching him getting better every day.
What position do you play?
Shooting guard.
How have you improved since freshman year?
Definitely my defense. I've tried to be very focused on improving both my off-ball and on-ball defense. My freshman year I played sophomore basketball, and all the sophomores really took me under their wing. It was a great learning experience, and I leaned so much that now translates into my game senior year.
How would your teammates describe you?
Definitely very hard-working and competitive. When I step on the floor I try and block out all my problems and play like it's my last game.
What's your goal for the season?
We don't have any returning starters, so it's really fun playing with a completely new team this year. We're hoping to make a playoff run, but we don't have expectations, so we're not playing with a lot of pressure on our backs.
What do you do to kick back?
I'm definitely a big movie guy. The last good movie I saw has gotta be "Shawshank Redemption." I also love going to into the cold tub at Lifetime Fitness - it's the best recovery.
Any special talents?
I used to be a swimmer, so I can hold my breath under water for a little over a minute.
What's on your Christmas list?
Definitely some new basketball shoes, like a pair of Nike Kobe 5s.
Why does coach Nick Latorre like having Orozco on the team?
Daniel works exceptionally hard at his game and is very committed to putting in the time necessary to be successful. He is a terrific teammate, is very coachable, unselfish and has been a pleasure to have in our program for the past four years.
- profile by Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff
