Where Are They Now: Mickens Adjusting To Life in China.

I caught up with former Notre Dame College Falcon Rodney Mickens, who came to NDC after attending  Polk Community College (Fla.)  He was a member of the 2010-11 Falcons that went 11-18 and competed in the American East Conference.
PV: What are you doing these days?
RM: I live in Guying, China and am training kids how to play basketball at a local gym called "Heaven Park."  I am teaching them the basics of basketball, like dribbling, passing, and form shooting. I am also playing point guard on the professional basketball tour.
PV: How do you like living in China? What makes it so different?
RM: The cost of living is cheaper but the language barrier and the culture are a hard adjustment.
PV: How long have you been there?
RM: It has been about seven months now. I have started to adjust a little but am still trying to learn the language.
PV: Tell me a little about your family.
RM: My dad, Rodney Sr. ,was in the military and now works as a social worker.  My mom, Adrienne Lane worked as a dispatcher for IBM. I have two sisters, Taylor, 20 and Iman, 18. I also have two brothers, Omar, 25, and Niam, 20.  I credit my dad with my work ethic and my mom with my mental strength.
PV: Why?
RM: I credit my dad with my work ethic because he taught me to wake up and grind every day.  I credit my mom with my mental strength because she taught me how to be strong mentally when things were going wrong. She taught me to stay positive and don't ever let that affect you mentally.
PV: What moves did you learn from your dad specifically?
RM: I learned how to shoot from my dad.
PV: Where did you live growing up?
RM: I was born and lived in Ossining, New York. It is a village in West Chester County.
PV: How old were you when you picked up a basketball?
RM: I was just eight years old when I got fully immersed in basketball. I picked up a lot about basketball from my dad and my dad's friends.
PV: What were the best days of your life?
RM: High school for sure. My family did not have a lot of money but always got the new kicks when basketball season came around.
PV: What was the biggest thing you learned at NDC?
RM: Communication and using my voice. These are keys to life in general.
PV: How do you think you guys would have done if you played in the MEC back when you played?
RM: When I played we were a really young team. Basketball has always been a part of my life and will always be a part of my life. God put me on this earth to give back, teach, and play basketball. I want to give back to others just like others did for me.
PV: What did you learn from the coaches at NDC?
RM: Both coaches prepared me for life after school. They taught communication, preparation, and gratitude towards others.
PV: Do you still keep up with NDC hoops?
RM: I have not been able to keep up with the basketball program while living in China. I plan on doing so when I get back to the STATES. Some of my former teammates like Eric Dummermuth and Brennan Osborn started a group chat on INSTAGRAM so I still stay in contact with them that way.
PV: What do you miss most about the STATES?
RM: I miss the STATES a lot. I want my regular food back!!