Long before Daylan Askew became a standout in Conference Carolinas basketball, he was just a toddler with one goal — play ball. Armed with a miniature hoop, he woke his dad up every morning ready to shoot, already showing the drive that would shape his future.

“I’ve played basketball since I was two years old, waking my dad up every morning letting him know I was ready to play,” Askew recalls.

This past season, that passion paid off in historic ways. Askew led Conference Carolinas in scoring with an average of 22.2 points per game, ranking 12th nationally in NCAA Division II. On December 14, 2024, during a standout 30-point performance against Mount Olive, he became Chowan’s Division II all-time leading scorer. By season’s end, his career total stood at 1,701 points, placing him third overall in the university’s basketball history.

Askew became the first player in Chowan history to earn Conference Carolinas Player of the Year honors. He was also named to the D2CCA Southeast All-Region First Team and the NABC Southeast All-District First Team, confirming his place among the region’s top players.

Despite his individual success, Askew emphasizes the role of his teammates. “We worked together, and worked hard. I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” he says. “We’ve built relationships and connections for life.”

Graduating this year with a degree in Sports Management, Askew has big dreams ahead. While he hopes to play professional basketball, he’s also interested in launching his own clothing line and possibly integrating his love of gaming into his career path.

Off the court, family remains central to who he is. As one of six siblings from Hertford County, Askew cherishes the laughter, activity, and unwavering support that surrounds him.

Askew’s time at Chowan has been transformational, both athletically and personally. “The environment is fantastic. People come together and make it easy to meet new people and make friends,” he says, adding that the new academic schedule has been a game changer for student-athletes, making it easier to connect with professors and complete coursework.

As he wraps up his collegiate journey, Askew leaves a legacy of dedication, leadership, and heart — and for that kid with the basketball in hand, the future is just getting started.