Growing up, basketball was always a huge part of my life. 

It all stemmed from watching my older cousin play. 

In high school, he was a highly recruited player, and every school in the nation wanted him. Watching him play and going to his tournaments made me want to pick up the game and do the same thing.

My cousin played collegiately at the University of Texas. 

Watching him compete at the college level only intensified my aspirations to follow in his footsteps. After college, he went overseas to play professionally. 

He was and continues to be my inspiration and my role model. 

However, he wasn't the only one. 

I've also always looked up to Kevin Durant. 

I love his style of play and try to replicate it. 

Seeing the success of my cousin on the court and admiring Durant gave me the confidence to pursue my basketball dreams.

Starting my journey

However, carving my own path hasn't been easy.

In high school, I wasn't being recruited by any colleges. 

I thought I was going to have to go to a junior college first if I ever wanted to compete at the DI level.

I even had to ask myself if I still wanted to play basketball after my senior year. 

It was a tough time, not going to lie.

But then COVID hit, and I got one last chance to showcase my skills during my final AAU season. 

It turned out to be the biggest blessing of my basketball career. 

Suddenly, schools started calling me. 

I had a few Division III and Division II offers, but there was one at the DI level — Kent State. 

It was a pretty easy decision for me. 

Choosing Kent State wasn't just about the basketball program either.

It was about their winning culture. 

I could tell it was part of their DNA, and that was something I wanted to join. 

I wanted to contribute to a program that knew how to win at a high level.

And Kent State was the perfect fit for me, both on and off the court.

Close to family and home 

One of the things that made Kent State so appealing was the fact that my family was close by. 

I grew up in Toledo, Ohio, which is only two hours from here. 

Family has always been my foundation and the most important part of my life, so choosing a school that was close to them was a high priority. 

For that reason, my mom and my six siblings never miss a game. 

My mom is my biggest supporter. 

She does everything on her own, and I'm inspired by her hard work. 

When I step on the court, I play for them. 

It's a blessing to have them in the stands, always cheering me on.

Last year, we had a lot of success as a team. 

We had some incredible upperclassmen who showed us the way. 

Sincere and Malique were amazing leaders. 

They taught us the right way to play basketball and what a privilege it was to represent Kent State. 

They led us to March Madness and a conference championship. 

It was a dream come true.

The memories we created became a part of the history of Kent State basketball. The victories were sweet, the defeats were lessons, and throughout it all, the influence of family remained at the forefront. 

The journey that started with a dream and a basketball in hand had brought me to this amazing moment in my career. 

I was surrounded by teammates who had become brothers and a family whose unwavering support fueled my every step.

Leadership looking ahead 

This year, it's my turn to lead. 

I may not be the most vocal person, but I've improved on that during my time here. 

I want to be a leader for everyone, not just when things are bad, but all the time. 

I want to set an example and help my teammates understand what it means to play for Kent State.

I realize part of being a great leader is showing up every day for my teammates. 

For me, the most important thing is getting my mind in the right state. If I lose my mental sharpness, I lose everything. 

So, I take the time to prepare mentally before every game, finding my zone and keeping my head level. 

Part of my routine is listening to "I Hate Pain" by Lil Keed. 

The beat and the lyrics prime my mind for the game and prepare me to help lead the team. 

Our identity as a team is all about defense and rebounding. If we stick to our game plan and follow our identity, it's tough to beat us. 

We have the potential to go even further this year. 

I believe in this team and am extremely excited about the season ahead.

After Kent State

After my time here at Kent State, I hope to continue playing basketball at the professional level. 

Maybe not in the NBA, but in the Euro League or somewhere else where I can travel the world, make money, and do what I love.

It's been a dream of mine ever since following the trajectory of my cousin's career. 

But for the time being, all the focus is on this season and making this community and university proud.

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