Irby: Goldsboro grad signs with Pfeiffer University

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on August 18, 2010 1:47 PM

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Demetrio Irby was not planning on playing basketball in college.

When Jeremy Currier took over the reigns of the men's basketball program at Pfeiffer University, Irby's plans changed.

"I originally picked Pfeiffer because that is where I wanted to go for my education," Irby said on Monday. "I wasn't thinking about even playing ball until coach Currier reached out to (Goldsboro) coach (Patrick) Reynell."

Shortly after the Falcons' season wrapped up in Conference Carolinas play, long-time head coach Dave Davis departed to take the same position at Newberry (S.C.) College. The Pfeiffer job was immediately filled by Currier, who served as Davis' top assistant for two seasons.

The new leader went looking for talent. One of his first calls was to Reynell.

"Coach Currier asked me if I had anyone that I thought would fit into their system and the first person that came to my mind was Demetrio," said Reynell. "(Irby) went up there for a camp and coach Currier called me back and said 'I love this kid'."

The irony is that Irby was planning on attending Pfeiffer this fall anyway as a part of the school's pre-engineering program. On the court, Irby hopes that his relentless defensive intensity will help earn playing time as a freshman.

"It's a lot easier to adjust to the college game defensively," said Irby. "I don't really know what to expect this season, but I hope that my defense will be up to speed."

Irby helped lead Goldsboro to a 23-8 overall record in 2009, which culminated with a trip to the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A state championship game in Chapel Hill. The Cougars lost to perennial power Monroe, but the experience is something that Irby will never forget.

"It was great to share something like that with my teammates," said Irby. "All of us worked hard to get to that point, I just wish it would have ended differently."

At Pfeiffer, Irby steps into a program that is a yearly contender within Conference Carolinas. The Falcons finished the 2009-10 campaign with an 18-10 record. Known for their fast-paced style, the team led all of Division II in points per game.

"I think it's a really nice fit for Demetrio because he showed during his time here that he could score from a lot of different spots and be a lockdown defender," said Reynell. "Pfeiffer likes to play small and go with five guards so they can get up and down the floor, and that suits Demetrio."