Coming in from a small school back-to-back state title basketball program, DJ Prater appeared destined to one day become a Three Rivers Raider.

Prater, a graduate of South Iron High School arrived in Poplar Bluff after following in the footsteps of his brother David, who played for the Raiders and participated on the 2010 team that finished second in the nation. David Prater coached as an assistant at Poplar Bluff before taking over the program at Arcadia Valley this campaign.

DJ’s cousin, Jeffrey Thomas played at Three Rivers as did Prater’s high school coach, Dusty Dinkins, who also played at Three Rivers in 1998.

So, for the current Raiders freshman, the Raiders were already in his blood.

“It most definitely played a part on me coming here,” DJ Prater said. “I watched how they won and how Gene Bess coached them and I wanted to play here. Those were contributing factors for me coming here.”

DJ comes from a small-town program and adjusting to Division I JUCO basketball has come from his hard work and diligence to learn to play at a higher level.

“Playing AAU and on the circuit helped me get ready for the higher level and in high school we played against a lot of bigger schools like CBC and Cardinal Ritter,” DJ Prater said. “It’s been a big adjustment to compete against these guys: I had to get bigger and stronger. They are in better shape and bigger and faster than you. I think I am doing a good job of trying to play my heart out when I am in the game and make the most of my opportunities.”

Current head coach Brian Bess has definitely grown appreciative of what the younger Bess has given to the current Raiders roster.

“DJ is a tough, smart, guy you can count on,” Bess said. “He never misses a class and is always on top of stuff. He is an energy guy you really like coaching. His best basketball is in front of him. He’s still developing, but he’s given us really good energy and defense.”

Prater said he believes he helps the teams in terms of amping up the speed of a unit and with his ability to guard and provide a good shot when he can.

“I can make shots at all three levels, but I could still work on my shot and my ballhandling,” DJ said.

Prater plays just about six minutes a night and has to work more to take more rotational minutes.

“I have to keep trying to dominate in practice and show what I can do so I can get the trust of the coaches,” Prater said. “That’s the biggest thing. I need to get better at getting past the defender at this level. I could do it in high schools, but these guys are better, stronger, faster. It will be very much appreciated if I can get stronger.

“I also have to work on creating my shot.”

DJ admits the biggest adjustment was learning to play without the ball more since he was more ball-dominant in high school and of course learning the styles and modes of his new Raiders teammates.

Being at Three Rivers and the “atmosphere of basketball,” made a lasting impression on DJ Prater and he hopes to return the favor as a player in a Raiders uniform.

“I need to be in the gym working and working out with my teammates and make the most of every opportunity and help the team win,” DJ said. “Winning is the biggest thing here.”

Alan Dale - Daily American Republic