Two former Liberty County High School basketball stars donned graduation caps and gowns this weekend at their respective colleges.
According to govolsxtra.com, Jordan McRae received his degree in sociology/criminal justice on Friday from the University of Tennessee.
“Man, it’s been a long time coming, but I made it,” McRae posted on his Facebook timeline. He added a photo showing him fully dressed in cap and gown while standing in front of a life-size photo of him during a basketball game.
“One more goal to tackle in June,” he added. “Thanks to everybody who has helped me become the man I am today. You know who you are.”
The final goal McRae, a 6-foot-6 guard, is looking to tackle is next month’s NBA Draft. On Friday, govolsxtra.com reported that McRae and Volunteer teammate Jarnell Stokes have been invited to the NBA Draft Combine, which starts Wednesday in Chicago. More than 60 draft hopefuls are expected to attend. McRae has been preparing for the combine for several weeks in Washington, D.C.
“I’m excited for this chance to show teams what I can do before the draft,” McRae said in a release from UT. “I feel like I’m well-prepared, and I’m focused on performing at a very high level.”
The draft is June 26 in New York City.
McRae’s high-school teammate, Rion Brown, was scheduled to graduate Friday from the University of Miami, according to hurricanesports.com. The Hurricanes guard earned his bachelor’s degree in sports administration with a minor in sociology. He is the 35th member of the Hurricanes’ 1,000-point club and was the eighth-best scorer in the Atlantic Coast Conference, averaging 16.1 points per game. He is tied for seventh on Miami’s all-time list for 3-pointers made and also scored 20 or more points in 10 games as a senior.
Last month, Brown signed a representation contract with Miami sports agent Seth Cohen as reported in the Miami Herald and confirmed by the Courier. Cohen is president and co-founder of Verus Management Team, as well as a certified agent with the National Basketball Players Association since 2009.