Andrew Force:
Future150 National Analyst. Covering High and Middle School basketball.
Godby, AL (Future150) -- Londell King (2015) will play college basketball for Southern University.
"I am supposed to be signing Friday," said King. There will be a ceremony at Godby High School (FL).
Three years ago nobody would have bet on King's basketball future. Londell might have been the only human in the world who believed he could make it.
"I am excited for the main reason, his story is unique," said AAU Coach Chris Ayers. "He got cut from the JV team his freshmen year. He came back and played JV for me his 10th grade year. Nobdoy knew who he was. I didn't know who he was. He was doing two-a-days."
Setbacks occur for everyone. Reacting positively to a negative event demonstrates incredible character. But it takes an iron will.
"Most of my friends did (make the team)," said King. "I felt kind of left out and wanted to keep that in my mind, so I knew I never wanted to feel that way again."
Godby High School basketball is on the rise. Just last month the team completed a 4A State Championship in Florida. King was an enormous part of that success despite being an outsider 30 short months prior.
"He was 5'10" as a freshman," said Coach Ayers. "He is now 6'7". Most people that get cut quit. He didn't do that. It put a fire behind him."
King fought through the adversity and invested energy in his long term plans. Before he turned 16 he was already devoted to improving his craft. Work ethic was embedded early in King.
"When I got cut it hurt me," said King. "It made me want to grind harder and make the team next year."
The Visit
"From the first time the scout came over and started recruiting him he fell in love with them," said Coach Ayers. "He is kind of laid back and doesn't say a lot when you first meet him."
Future official visits were under consideration. Bethune Cookman might have hosted. Jacksonville was an option. Now they are moot. King's visit to Baton Rouge-based Southern University was just that enjoyable.
"He went on the visit," said Coach Ayers. "The first thing that he noticed was that the coaching staff and the players took him in."
Southern University was competing for his signature, but won with hospitality, facilities, and coach experience. King joins Head Coach Roman Banks and the Jaguars. According to Coach Ayers, King feels he can help Southern U. win a SWAC Championship.
"When I first got there they welcomed me with open arms," said King. "I felt like I was part of the team already."
This upcoming fall Londell King will be apart of the team. Outsider no more.
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