‘‘Waats’asdiyei's produced, directed and wrote his latest film ‘Voices of Our Ancestors,’ which has been accepted in eight film festivals across the globe with winning three awards and one nomination along the way. 'Waats'asdiyei recently has been selected as one of the six fellowship writers for a PBS/CBC show, Molly of Denali.
- Player Speaks-up About Depression - April 19, 2019
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The transition from Tracy, Calif, to Fairbanks proved rough for Nanook basketball guard Derritt Scarver.
“I have had some really dark times in Fairbanks,’ said Scarver, in a phone interview. He estimates that “five to seven’ players suffered depression to some degree all four years he’d played for University of Alaska Fairbanks. “My support system back home was always there for me and I love them to death for that.’
“In the beginning of the year it’s dark and cold,’ he said, listing some of the adjustment challenges players from Outside face. “We have two-a-day practices, and then we all have the pressure from being away from home.’
He found Alaska’s sheer size and small population disconcerting. “One thing I missed most is when I leave Tracy I’ll end up in another city. Half an hour drive and I’m in San Jose, half an hour the other way, I’m in San Francisco.
“In Fairbanks when you drive out of town, you’re in the wilderness,’ said Scarver. “Another thing I miss is the malls, being around modern places where people are at.’
Fellow Nanook guard Tymoryae Glover said, “Where I’m from, Pasadena [California], it doesn’t snow. So there you go and it’s a little less cold than Fairbanks. Now I have to wear a coat everywhere I go because of how cold it is, and really staying on top of my vitamins because there really isn’t a lot of sun out here and that gives us a lot of natural vitamin D.
“Most definitely I’ve been homesick,” he said, “but try to think of the positives. When it’s all set in done, I can do better for my mom and my family because then I’ll be able to fulfill my dreams.’
The transition to Alaska is hard on recruits from larger urban communities.
“The days you don’t have practice,’ Scarver said, “I ask myself, ‘what am I going to do besides play video games?’’
“No disrespect to the athletic department, they do talk about this situation, but they don’t realize how relevant the problem is.’
Surroundings matter. Off campus, Scarver favorite’s part of Fairbanks is the shopping complex near Barnes & Noble books. “That’s the most modern area in town,’ he said.
Over time, he found solace in the area’s natural surroundings. “Looking at the viewpoints was a therapy moment. I looked at the scenery and then it kicks in that I’m really in Alaska.’
Coaching turnovers actually helped. “A positive of a new coach,” he said, “is that you are pretty much on a clean slate and you can redefine yourself as a player.’
“My career was a rollercoaster ride,” he added. “And I am glad I went through it all. It made me come out of it a better and much more mature man.’
First-year Nanook men’s Coach Gregory Sparling praised Scarver’s efforts: “Good kid on and off the floor. Plays hard.“
Scarver found that opening up about depression helps. Meeting people outside athletics did as well. “After my second year here, I told myself to not be in a shell,’ he said. “I learn about different cultures that way, and found a support system within Fairbanks. “
His advice for other struggling newcomers: “Find someone out there that can relate to you, who will be able to there for you, can make a big difference.’
From the age of 6, playing college ball was Scarver’s goal. Scarver averaged 1.14 points per game throughout his four years at UAF.
He’s now focusing on the next stage of his life.
Scarver is finishing his bachelor’s degree this year in business administration. Next, he’ll be shooting for his master’s in business administration. “I want to be a marketer for a mature company preferably in the Bay area,’ he said. The MBA will “open a lot of doors for me.’
On and off the court, sports is already paying off. “Basketball has provided me with opportunities that I am forever thankful for and I have nothing but love for the sport.’
