NO MATTER THE LANDSCAPE – CHARACTER, COMMUNITY AND CHOICES MATTER
It might just take you from the streets of Nigeria to Rice University—and then to Duke University.
Two years ago, Iffy’s college coach at Rice University was fired. The new coach was uncertain about his plans for A2S Scholar Iffy. Meanwhile, NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) and the transfer portal were flooding all of college basketball. At 6 feet 11 inches tall, this young man had so many voices in his ears—some from schools and individuals encouraging him to enter the portal, many focusing more on his deficiencies as a player than on his strengths, and all within a new landscape that often promotes jumping ship at the first opportunity.
I’ll never forget Iffy’s response when I asked him what he truly wanted. He said:
“I really want a degree from Rice University. I’m willing to sacrifice basketball for a year if it comes to that and hope that a school will take a chance on me.”
His character in that moment was undeniable. He was able to tune out the noise and focus on the big picture. Thanks to the coach at Rice, he remained on the team. He redshirted and took 21 credits instead of the usual 3—just so he could graduate in a year, fully aware of how volatile things could become.
Faced with a similar situation this year, Iffy made the decision to enter the portal. The most beautiful part of this journey has been watching his community of friends, former coaches, teammates, A2S family, and especially his host family, rally around him—championing his decisions and praying with him every step of the way.
Two days ago, his host father, Mr. Frank Llaneza, and I visited Duke University with Iffy. I’m thrilled to share that Iffy will be joining the men’s basketball team at Duke for the next two years, pursuing a Master of Management Studies and an accelerated MBA.
Life is a culmination of the daily choices we make, the character we display, and the community that surrounds us. I’m thankful that Duke recognized the high-character human being Iffy is—before the basketball player. I have no doubt both parties will be blessed by this union.
I am so proud of Iffy for understanding his life’s dream and for having the courage to follow a path less traveled.
At A2S I am enjoying that our kids continue to explore ways that our kids can turn environments that seemed once futile into a platform of opportunities. Encouraging learning and engagement beyond the classroom is key.
During this year’s basketball and empowerment camp, our A2S after school academy kids served as cheerleaders, entertainers, servers, media team, event hall decorators, and more. I really enjoy that we are not creating an environment where they are only served but fostering a learning culture driven by students and controlled by them.
I am amazed at the ways they have continued to discover and display their passions.
