By Corey Tucker – Collegiate Staff
Not everyone knows how to use adversity and setbacks as motivation. However, there are some who falter, maybe more than once, but learn something from their previous trip-ups.
Cameron Burhannon, 19, a sophomore forward for the Grand Rapids Community College Men’s basketball team, is a perfect example of the latter.
Not only was the Indianapolis native cut twice from his high school basketball team, he also found himself academically ineligible to play basketball during the first half of this season. Fortunately, the Pacers fan has bounced back with an academic goal of maintaining a 3.5 GPA that will keep him on the court during the second semester.
Burhannon’s pre-game ritual is barely similar to other players and displays the new commitment to succeeding in the classroom and on the court.
“I’ll listen to music sometimes, like Meek Mill, but what I really like to do is read,” Burhannon said. “Right now, I am reading a book called ‘Travel Team.’ I do my best to read a chapter before each away game.”
“Travel Team” is a book that highlights a young man, Danny Walker, who was cut from his travel team due to his 4 foot 7 stature. Burhannon, although not having to overcome a size adversity, had to overcome the hitches of getting cut from his high school basketball team while not knowing exactly why he was cut.
He overcame that hardship by working hard to become a better player on what he says is his favorite team he has played for: Fieldhouse Elite in the AAU ranks. It was while playing for Fieldhouse Elite in Indianapolis when Burhannon says he became a “more complete player.”
Burhannon’s ambition to become a more complete player while at Fieldhouse Elite was driven by the potential of having to attend a school in Indiana that he was not interested in playing for.
The only way to avoid going to said school was by working hard and getting recruited by a school that he was actually interested in attending, and now, GRCC has his talents.
When it comes to the academic eligibility, GRCC Head Coach David Selmon, asked Burhannon one question: “What do you want?” Burhannon emphasized that he wanted to play basketball, thus Coach Selmon insisted on hard work in the classroom.
Burhannon stressed that time management will be crucial to maintaining a 3.5 GPA and balancing basketball.
“It’s all about making the best decisions with my time,” Burhannon said. “If I manage my time well, don’t put things off, and do what needs to be done, I will be able to do it.”
Apparently, Burhannon, is managing his time well, proven by his success in the class room transferring to success on the court. In six games this season, Burhannon, is averaging 32 minutes per game, with an average of 22 points per contest.
“Cam, is drawing some interest from some Division 1 schools,” Coach Selmon said of his recent success.
When asked what advice he would give incoming college basketball players, Burhannon reiterates that hard work is the key to success.
“You have to realize that you’re dreams will only go as far as you allow them to go,” Burhannon said.
“Some of us are blessed with talent, and it’s all about what you do with that. Are you studying on the court and in the classroom, are you being a good person? If you’re doing all these things opportunity will present itself. They just need to realize that the ball is in their court.”
