Hoop Dreams: The Journey of Ashton Graham

As children, we are taught to dream big. We are taught to persevere when people doubt or laugh in our face, and no matter what the circumstances always try your best. No dream is unattainable in this world; it takes passion, faith, and tenacity and for senior University of Tampa guard Ashton Graham, he is ready to continue his basketball journey, a journey that may one day lead to his dream of playing in the pros, despite any reservations.

Ashton Graham was born in Toronto, Ontario, where the basketball scene is prevalent, but stagnant in terms of the opportunities and level of play the city provides. He recalls becoming interested in the game as a result of his Mom's after school program where kids would play basketball. He also recalls his teacher noticing his love for the game early on; "my kindergarten teacher said I was always fascinated with the basketball hoops, and I would always watch people play, so I guess my love for basketball started early."

Graham relocated to Tampa, Fla., for high school where he played basketball at Gaither. He played JV for his first two years where he worked his way up to the varsity team, in which he was the 6th man and later on a starter.

Graham's next stop on his hoop journey was New Hampshire where he attended Franklin Pierce College. "I took a year off after high school before I went to Franklin Pierce. My uncle actually got recruited out from Canada to Franklin Pierce. The experience was harder than I thought. I originally wanted to go D1 (NCAA Division I), but my knowledge of college sports… I really didn't understand, I didn't know it would be so hard to earn a spot on a team (a division one team). My uncle being on the coaching staff, I think it hurt me more than helped me."

After a tough experience at Franklin Pierce, Graham returned to Tampa. He decided that Tampa was right for him as he already had a job and his boss would be flexible with his work schedule.

Graham happened to be familiar with the basketball program at UT, as he played a few pick-up games with the team before he went to New Hampshire. It was evident that the coaches were interested in him, thus, Graham always had a plan to attend UT if Franklin Pierce did not work out. Graham landed a spot on UT's squad in 2009.

Ashton played a significant role early on in his UT career. He played in 25 games and notched seven starts. In his junior year, Graham was a permanent starter averaging just over eight points per game.

In his senior stint, he adjusted to his new role as the team's leader. He averages 14 points per game, he has snagged multiple Sunshine State Conference recognitions including; player of the week as a result of his two game performance where he averaged 27 points leading the team to back to back victories, he is ranked top 6 in scoring, and top 20 in 3-point field goals made.

Graham describes his experience at UT as being an enjoyable one although he wishes that the students had more school spirit. He accredits the game of basketball in helping not only grow as an athlete, but as a man.

The next stop on Graham's journey is not yet determined, although he has his eyes on the ultimate prize the pros. "I hope to play pro, ideally the NBA, but I know it's kind of hard so, I'm looking to play overseas. My uncle has connections so after school I will participate in exposure camps where I may have the opportunity to play overseas, and hopefully one day get to the NBA."

Written by Alesia Wilson