Informed he’s 41 points from becoming a 1,000-point scorer for the second time in his basketball career, Jared DeHart does what might be one of the most Jared DeHart things ever:
Admits he had no clue another milestone was looming.
“I had no idea. It doesn’t really matter,” said DeHart, the former Indian Creek guard who is now a senior at Bethel University. “I don’t care about how many points I score. I just want to win.”
More often than not, DeHart does.
The Braves went 62-32 during a four-season career that saw DeHart score a total of 1,475 points (second all-time behind 2004 grad J.R. Angle’s 1,689); the Pilots are 72-38, with DeHart’s quiet brand of intensity at both ends of the floor helping fan the flames.
He was pleasantly and genuinely surprised by the number of points needed to reach one of the supreme basketball achievements — again.
This time, however, will be different.
“I would say I cared a little more about stuff like that in high school,” DeHart said. “It meant more because my dad went to high school there along with my sister, cousins, and other members of my family.”
The 6-foot DeHart averages 13.1 points this season for Bethel and has at least 20 games remaining, even if the squad loses in the opening round of the Crossroads League tournament.
So 1,000 is not a matter of if, but when, where and in what fashion.
DeHart is on pace to become the 62nd Pilots men’s player to speed past the 1,000-point mark when Bethel travels to IU Southeast on Dec. 29.
“Jared has been one of our most consistent players and someone who always plays hard,” Bethel coach Steve Drabyn said. “I thought he came into this season in really good shape and a want-to about him to take over the role (TreVion) Crews had last year.”
The since-graduated Crews, a 6-foot guard and twice a first team NAIA All-American, led the Pilots to a 23-11 mark last season, averaging 24.6 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.0 assists.
Bethel currently holds a 6-5 record going into Saturday’s home game against Judson. After that, it’s five consecutive road contests, including one exhibition.
These tests, along with the fact DeHart plans to take advantage of his NCAA-granted COVID season in 2022-23, gives him ample opportunity to emerge as the type of leader Drabyn wants his senior guard to be.
DeHart has long possessed a knack for setting the tone with all-out hustle all of the time, but his coach wants more.
“It’s definitely something I need to work on,” DeHart said. “I’m a quiet guy by nature. You have to be intentional about it by coming in and helping the guys out more. Giving encouragement. But on the court, I’ve always been more of a quiet player.”
DeHart is one of six seniors on Bethel’s roster. How many join him in returning next season remains to be seen.
Either way, the importance of his becoming a vocal leader in the weeks and months ahead can’t possibly be understated.
“He’s got it in him. As a coach, you have to teach it. Give him examples and provide him opportunities in practice,” Drabyn said. “We’ve been working hard on Jared stepping out of his comfort zone, but we’re hopeful because we need it right now.”
