He Stepped Into a Key Role at Chapman

The spotlight is gone, replaced by gentle rays of light filtering through long, dusty windows. The bleachers are nearly empty, except for a sprinkling of relatives, friends and students.

The stage is now a cold hardwood floor in a gymnasium, and the dress is somewhat more casual than he’s used to.

David Neal, 23, leaped into a new lifestyle when he joined the Chapman basketball team this fall. It’s a place most in his position probably would have passed up, but for Neal it is a labor of love.

“I didn’t want to say a few years from now, ‘I could have played two more years,’ ” said Neal, a 6-foot-3 point guard. “It’s a love thing. I love basketball. I wouldn’t care if there was nobody in the stands.”

Neal had spent the last two years as a fashion model, posing for print ads and strolling runways for some of the top clothing companies in the world. His “look” earned him $1,500 a day and landed him commercials and cameo appearances on television sitcoms.

It was a nice position to be in, but it wasn’t the position he wanted to play.

“I figured the older I get, I’m not going to want to come back to school because I have a career already,” said Neal, who can also sing and dance. “But I decided I have two years left and I miss basketball. I have that passion just to play, so I came back and I figured, while I’m here, I can get my degree and have a back-up plan. It’s all working out.”

Neal graduated from Orange High in 1994, then played two seasons at Cypress College, where he earned All-Orange Empire Conference honors his sophomore season. During his stay at Cypress, Neal was introduced to modeling by his older brother, Nicholas, who already was flourishing in the business.

Neal continued his education on a part-time basis for a third year at Cypress but left school because his career was skyrocketing. For the next two years, Neal traveled the country, modeling for such brands as Polo, Tommy Hilfiger, Abercrombie & Fitch, J. Crew and Banana Republic.

“I did it royal,” Neal said. “I could still do it now if I choose to, but I wanted to get back in school and play basketball.”

Neal almost returned last year, but shortly before the start of the season he lined up a long-term entertainment contract that would keep him on the road. Chapman Coach Mike Bokosky sorely needed Neal during the Panthers’ 15-9 season, but he understood what he was competing against.

“Everyone wants to sing in the shower and dance, but he’s as talented as anyone we’ve ever had,” Bokosky said. “Not just academically and athletically, but he’s very talented as a singer and actor.”

Neal put Hollywood on hold this season, opting for a recurring role as Chapman’s starting point guard. He has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent players, averaging a bit more than seven points and four rebounds a game. At the Chapman Invitational over Thanksgiving weekend, he averaged 10-plus points and was named to the all-tournament team.

“It’s fun, especially after being out for two years,” said Neal, a film and television major. “I was really fiending for basketball, like big time. It’s a good group of guys, we’ve got some good players and the coach is great.”

Bokosky was thrilled when he heard Neal was coming back to basketball. Not only are Neal’s court awareness and ballhandling skills welcome additions, but his style of play is also a key ingredient in the Panthers’ 7-3 start.

“He’s as unselfish offensively and defensively as any player I’ve seen,” Bokosky said. “Most players are offensively unselfish, but to find someone who is routinely not afraid to take a charge or guard the opposing team’s best player is hard to do.”