Interview with Derek Biale (Son of the Dad w/ Terrible Tips & Bad Tan)

Interview with Derek Biale from “State of Play: Trophy Kids”
Posted by DIEGOSOLARES73 on APRIL 11, 2016

Recently, I watched the movie “Trophy Kids” and it had me dumbfounded. In the movie the parents were portrayed as evil people, but this had me wondering how did the kids feel? “Trophy Kids” was released in 2013 on HBO, but did not make it to Netflix until 2016. So, I did my research and came across Derek Biale who was featured in the movie. Derek is a basketball player, with a dad who’s very passionate and wants to see him be successful. The whole idea of me interviewing him was just a crazy idea of mine, and I did not think it would actually happen.Not only did I want to talk to Derek, but I had questions for myself. Almost a day later after contacting a friend of Derek’s, I was able to reach him and he agreed on me interviewing him. Derek is such a humble guy, and he never truly got to explain how he felt. Read more to see how far Derek has came since the movie, and how he truly feels on his family.

Me: “In the movie they portray your dad to be a loud and mean guy. Do you think they were too harsh on him?”

Derek: “Some people may depict my dad to be too mean, but I would categorize it as almost the exact opposite. When I was about eight years old I told my dad my dream was to play in the NBA. From that day he did everything in his power to put me in the best position to make that possible. He gave me the best coaches and personal trainers that made me the person and basketball player I am today. Without my dad none of the championships or accolades that I received would have been possible. I love my dad more than anything and I wouldn’t trade my dad for anyone else in the entire world.”

Me: “How has the movie “Trophy Kids” changed your life and has it made it better or worse?”

Derek: “The documentary hasn’t changed my life in the slightest bit other than the amount of followers I have on social media or receiving the occasional question “are you that kid from the documentary on Netflix.”

Me: “If you could give any kids who were like you with really supportive fathers, like yours, any advice what would it be?”

Derek:”In life you will only get as much out of something as what you put into it. My parents taught me that from a very young age and to this point in my life I have always found it to be true. Whether it will be with school, sports, relationships, or anything else you could think of, it really comes down to how much you want it and how much you’re willing to put into it.”

Me: “I see you’ve recently announced that you will begin the transfer process from Colorado Mesa University. Has there been any teams on your mind? Are you planning on still playing Division 2 basketball?”

Derek: “I’m being recruited by some D2 schools at the moment but haven’t decided what I am going to do yet.”

Me: “Have you kept in touch with anyone else in the “Trophy Kids” movie?

Derek: “I’ve never met any of the other kids, other than Ian Fox obviously and we are still brothers to this day.”

Me: “How did the creators of the movie find you?”

Derek: “I’ve known the original executive producer Leland Anderson since I was about ten, but the producer Chris Bell approached me during one of my workouts at the HAX facility. I never got to meet Peter Berg.”

Me: “It’s been many years since the movie has been out are you happy with how everything has turned out for you?”

Derek: “A couple unfortunate things happened obviously, but overall I am happy with my life.”

Me: “Now that you’re older and wiser, would you still consider making the NBA as your goal or do you have other aspirations?”

Derek: “Hahaha making the NBA has been far fetched for a long time now. The majority of people don’t understand how hard it is to play college basketball, let alone make it to the NBA. I’m currently majoring in Kinesiology and plan to keep my career within basketball or physical therapy.”

Me: “Making the NBA is very difficult, now that your release has been official with Colorado Mesa University, do you still see yourself playing college basketball?”

Derek: “If the right situation for my future presents itself, then I will continue to play college basketball.”

Me: “Is there any player you could credit for getting you into basketball?”

Derek: “My dad ultimately put the basketball in my hands, but my favorite players I was able to watch growing up were Steve Nash and Shaq.”

Me: “In the movie your dad mentioned ever since you could play basketball he hasn’t worked a day in his life, is he still practicing with you or has he gotten a job?”

Derek: “My parents owned nine businesses growing up. They both retired before they were fifty.”

Me: “I feel that the movie gives your parents a bad look to the viewers, but really they’re just supportive for you, maybe people can’t see it like you do.”

Derek: “Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but just like almost everything else people form their opinions without truly knowing the facts behind the situation. The most interesting part of the entire documentary has been the wide range of comments that I’ve seen. From wanting to kill my dad for the torture he supposably inflicted on me to how much others can relate. It’s honestly comical how people think they know half of what my life was really like.”

Me: “I feel like this has been a crazy experience for you. Do you regret being on the movie?”

Derek: “Hasn’t been that crazy. Like I said the documentary hasn’t changed my life in the slightest bit. I don’t have any regrets. Everything happens for a reason.”

Me: “Well three years later it seems you’re at a good place in your life.”

Derek: “Getting a free education could never put you in a bad place.”

Me: “Would you consider basketball a passion of yours?” (Now realizing not the best question to ask a Division 2 basketball player)

Derek: “Yes you could definitely say basketball is a passion of mine.”

Me: “You have a favorite NBA team or player?”

Derek: “Don’t really have a favorite team. I’m just a fan of the game, so I root for whoever I love more in the particular match up. If I had to name a favorite player though it would be LeBron.”

Me: “I have one more question, did the movie at all help you get exposed by colleges?”

Derek: “The producers helped me put together a highlight tape I was able to send out to colleges.”

This by far answered a lot of the questions I had, and I don’t think anyone could’ve answered it better than Derek did. Derek is now twenty one years old in his academic junior year of college and when the movie was being filmed he was a junior in high school. “Trophy Kids” may have portrayed Derek’s father to be a somewhat evil guy, but in the end after this interview I can see that he is passionate, and loves his son. Thank you Derek for the interview, and we wish you the best of luck with your future.

Written By: Jordan Rocco
Twitter: @roccofeelingyou