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I wanted to thank my friend Taylor Statham who is a 6’6″ guard playing basketball professionally. He played collegiately for the California Baptist University Lancers and the CSUSB Coyotes respectively from 2011-15. I was the team manager of The Master’s University Mustangs from 2010-14. I enjoyed watching Taylor and the Mustangs have open gyms during the offseason at Bross Court. Taylor holds career averages in college of 5.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 steals and 0.35 blocks while shooting 40.7% from the field, 33.2% from deep and 68% from the free throw line. He scored 564 points, grabbed 311 rebounds, dished out 78 assists, had 51 steals, blocked 34 shots and made 79 threes in his collegiate career.

 

 

In sharing his journey with me, Taylor wrote, “College basketball for me was a true test of character. Right before my freshman year I had just beaten cancer, lost 22 scholarships, came all the way back, and was blessed enough to have Cal Baptist University take me on a full ride scholarship. By the time I walked on campus I was one of the more dominant players, but because of what I went through only six months prior my body was just not ready for the wear and tear of a college student athlete just yet. Luckily my mind was ready for any obstacle in the way. I ended up transferring to Cal State University San Bernardino for my last three years. Made to NCAA tournament appearances, was ranked top 10 in the nation, and won a conference championship.

 

 

My sophomore and junior year I was in between starting and sixth man. So I learned how to be a star within my role. It taught me a sense of urgency to come in the game and be able to make a difference right away. Which then carried over to my senior year helping me be the go to guy and eventually my pro career overseas. I feel like that is what helps separate me from other players, it’s just that ability to constantly make plays. For three years I had no time to waste. No time to get in the flow of the game, I had to be a difference maker right away. All the lessons college basketball has taught me helped mold me into a leader on and off the court.”

 

 

Taylor recently averaged 28.6 points per game in Thailand and he was named the best 3×3 player in Asia in July. He knows how to play with his teammates and he credits being a role player in college to finding success in professional basketball.