Damari Milstead took on the "freshman 15" in the best way possible.
College freshmen are warned about gaining 15 pounds in their first year on campus. Milstead gained it before his first game at Grand Canyon, and it was all part of the plan.
Milstead arrived on campus early this summer and took advantage of GCU's sports performance program and food offerings that were new to him. The Lopes freshman point guard said he went from weighing 178 pounds to 192 pounds while strengthening his 6-foot-2 frame.
"I've never been in the weight room that long," Milstead said. "I was in there four or five days per week. And then there's the constant food you're getting when you're in college and don't have your parents watching what you eat. I think it's good. I think it's muscle that I'm going to need at the collegiate level. I can still get my speed up, but I feel like I can take bumps easier now. The college game is physical."
Milstead, who recently turned 18, already was known at Moreau Catholic High School for dynamic strength despite not having a weightlifting program. He drew offers from California, Washington State, St. Mary's and Hawaii before committing to GCU a year ago.
His changed physique was noticeable to family and friends when he went home for a week before the start of classes in August. But Milstead wants to stay at this weight, which means one Lopes Way spot might have to be visited in moderation.
"I go to Chick-fil-A twice a day," Milstead said.
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