In our most recent conversation with a Cinnaminson alum, we had the opportunity to speak with Monmouth men’s basketball player Max DiLeo.
DiLeo recently completed his senior season, recording 490 total points during his collegiate career.
He was a four-year letterwinner at Cinnaminson in both basketball and soccer, scoring 1,000 points in his basketball career with the Pirates.
During his senior season on the court, DiLeo was named the Burlington County Player of the Year.
DiLeo is majoring in Business Management at Monmouth.
Favorite Class: Small business management.
DiLeo said that the feeling of fitting in led him to choose Monmouth.
“The biggest draw that led me to choose Monmouth was the way I felt that I fit in when I came here on my visit. I felt that the coaching staff here understood what I was trying to accomplish and I felt that they genuinely cared about my success both on and off the court. I also felt that here at Monmouth I would have my best opportunity to contribute to the team right away as it was the first year the coaching staff was here.”
During his time with the Pirates, DiLeo said he learned that playing as a team can go a long way in sports.
“I realized that the team aspect can go a very long way in sports. In high school there were a lot of times where we were outmatched skill-wise, but the fact that the teams I was on had such a tight relationship and great chemistry, we were continually successful.”
Sticking with the high school portion of DiLeo’s career, he named a former player from Middle Township as his toughest opponent while playing with the Pirates.
“My most difficult opponent in high school was probably Garret Kerr from Middle Township. He knew the game very well and could score in multiple ways on offense; we also played against each other many times growing up.”
In regards to offering advice to seniors who want to continue playing their sport in college, DiLeo said, “Never underestimate what you can accomplish and surround yourself with the right group of people who believe in you and or have similar goals.”
DiLeo talked about what improved the most about his game while playing at Monmouth.
“Since being at Monmouth my shooting has definitely improved the most. My first and second year here my jump shot was not the best. However, my coach, and my manager Nicki Gross encouraged me, and were with me in the gym when I would make 500 shots a day almost every day after my second year. After my junior year I finished 12th in the nation in 3 point shooting percentage and was much more of a threat on offense.”
DiLeo hopes to continue his basketball career in Europe upon graduating from Monmouth. He also has yet to decide in which summer league he will play this year. In the past, he has taken part in the Sunny Hill Basketball League in Philadelphia.
And, DiLeo credited his family as the biggest influence on him as an athlete.
“The strongest influence in my life as an athlete is definitely my family. They have been there supporting me from day one and continue to help me every day.”
Image courtesy of Taylor Jackson
