Darryl's basketball journey has been filled with inspiring moments and figures, but one instance that stands out took place during his initial days at Iowa. During a casual game, an upperclassman teammate interrupted him to emphasize that they don't walk up the court. This comment wasn't merely about the physical act of walking, but rather, it symbolized the essence of effort and intensity required in the game. This simple yet profound advice, delivered with seriousness and direct eye contact, had a lasting impact on Darryl, shaping not just his play but also his approach to coaching. The teaching resonated with the intensity Darryl had learned from his previous coaches and further instilled in him the value of unwavering commitment in basketball.

For Darryl, the acoustic atmosphere of a basketball game offers a unique sense of solace. His favorite sounds include three distinct elements of the game. First, the squeaks of shoes against the court surface, a subtle yet incessant reminder of the continuous motion and agility involved. Second, the satisfying swish of the ball passing through the net, a universal symbol of accomplishment in the game. And third, the rhythmic bounce of the ball against the court, a sound that serves as a calming backdrop to the intensity of the play. These sounds, taken together, constitute Darryl's acoustic comfort zone in the sport of basketball.