Melbourne United Multicultural Stories: Darryl McDonald

Growing up in Harlem, New York, on the basketball court you’ve got to put up or shut up.

That’s something that became clear quickly for Melbourne United Assistant Coach Darryl ‘DMack’ McDonald, who played just about every sport with his seven older brothers, however it was hoops that stuck with him.

“Basketball was always in the blood,” he said.

“We played every sport, but the thing about basketball was you could play all year round, whether you played outside or you were playing in the gym.

“I had a brother who played college basketball and played in Europe. I just wanted to be like him, I wanted to hoop.”

And hoop he did. Dmack made a name for himself in short order at the world famous streetball arena, Rucker Park, where his flashy play earned him the nickname ‘Mr Excitement’.

“Streetball is the reason I got here.

“It was different man, it was the place. You could tell when you’ve got some of these NBA guys, when their season is over, they couldn’t wait to play there.

“You get your name, my nickname was Mr Excitement… because you have a name, people want to go at you. So you either stand up and do your thing or you just another guy.”

While the Rucker Park Hall of Famer has fond memories of his battles on the blacktop, it’s the memories of family that bring him the most joy.

“Family is always big… Everyone’s birthday was like a family reunion. Seeing a lot of people you haven’t seen in a while.

“For me being over here, and then going back, just being able to catch up with a lot of people I haven't been able to see in a long time (is special).”

Dmack relented that while he loves his new home, there are just some things, specifically food related, that simply can’t be replicated outside of Harlem.

“The one thing, Chinese food. I grew up on chicken wings and fried rice and it’s just not the same here… Over there it’s one of the first meals I get when I get home. Get the rice and some fried chicken and some duck sauce, oh my goodness.”

While his takeaway delights were great, nothing comes close to the home cooking Dmack would enjoy when seeing family on trips home.

“My mum used to cook every sunday. When I came here, everytime I went back, she would cook fried chicken, mash potatoes, gravy, sweet potatoes and corn and string beans. I try to cook it, but it doesn’t come out the same,” he laughed.

As he approaches three decades living in Melbourne, Dmack has seen the city grow and evolve into the diverse melting pot of culture it is in 2022.

He believes Melbourne’s multiculturalism will only continue to grow as more and more people flock to enjoy one of the world’s greatest cities.

“I’ve been here for 28 years. Now when you look around there’s so many different nationalities… it’s just grown.

“Australia is such a nice place to live… coming from New York when it’s 1000 miles an hour and coming here where it’s so laid back, just the atmosphere and the people, I would assume that’s why people come here, such a great place to be.”

Tickets remain available to watch Dmack do his thing on the sidelines during The Multicultural Game, happening this Sunday at 1pm at John Cain Arena.