WATCH: Davon Dillard’s Story of Perseverance and Tyrek Coger’s Impact on Him

A huge factor behind Oklahoma State’s resurgence during its latest hot streak has come in part because of the emergence of high-flying wing Davon Dillard. A barely utilized player a year ago under Travis Ford, Dillard has become a mainstay rotation player with his consistent effort and ability to play above the rim adding an extra element to the OSU offense.

Beyond the stats and beyond basketball, Dillard has an inspiring story. His father died when he was just 8, which he says made him a stronger person. He talked with Orange Power Studio’s Allison Gappa in an interview this week to talk about his journey to OSU, his workout plans this past summer, his late father, and his former roommate Tyrek Coger, who died before he played a minute with the OSU basketball team.

“I feel like going through that just made me a stronger person,” Dillard said. “I feel like I’ve been through it all and I can make it through anything. You know, life isn’t always going to go smooth but I feel like Oklahoma State just matured me as a man.”

Check out the full 5 minute interview with Dillard and Gappa below:

The story of @DDillard24 is a story of perseverance. Check out this piece from @AllisonGappa. #okstate pic.twitter.com/7YQwllc5Xv

— Cowboy Basketball (@OSUMBB) February 23, 2017