EXCLUSIVE: Tre Donaldson’s Thoughts on UM Men’s Basketball and Expectation for Rising Star

I attended today’s Miami Heat practice media availability and spoke with former Miami Hurricanes point guard Tre Donaldson.

- Finding comfortability in staying in South Florida from college to pros:

“It’s super easy,” Donaldson said. “I’m comfortable and that’s when I’m at my best.”

- The decision to sign with the Heat (two-way contract) after going undrafted:

“The culture and what this organization is built on is my entire story,” he said. “Just being able to relate to a lot of people like [Erik Spoelstra], he started in the film room. I started as a kid that everyone thought I was just a football player. Being able to relate, that’s why I wanted to be a part of this.”

- Playing with an edge and intensity:

“I was raised in a family full of athletes,” Donaldson said. “A family that held me to a standard of excellence. I’m just holding that standard and keeping myself to that and carrying that for the rest of my life.”

- Expectations for Shelton Henderson:

“The expectation for him is reallly high,” he said. “I expect Shelton to do a lot of special things. He understands what he has to do and the role he’s stepping into with a leadership aspect. I think he’ll hit it head on.”

- How far UM can go:

“As far as they want.”