Never the easy road, but always forward.
Class of 2019 Spartan Captain, Jordan Graham (“JG”), committed to traditional NAIA powerhouse Campbellsville University (KY) last month. During his time with the Spartans, Jordan established himself as a consistent winner and team captain. Jordan’s game is highlighted by his athletic versatility and coachability. While with the Spartans, he improved on his guard skills and outside shooting.
Programs are built by players; his character and leadership were critical to the success of Florida Coastal Prep. Every program recruits the most talented players that they can find, but FCP recruits winners that are dedicated to the game. We wanted to highlight JG because his story is one of perseverance and guts. Few players would be able to overcome one injury and be able to return to a competitive level. Injuries can sometimes derail an entire career.
Jordan overcame many.
And as any athlete knows, it is rarely the pain from the injury that is so difficult to endure; it is the mental anguish and despair that occurs moving through the rehabilitation process. Once the rehab is over the return is only just beginning. The next step is walking back onto the court as a physically healthy player and facing the fear that must be overcome to reach a competitive level again. College basketball requires the utmost skill, talent, and confidence to be successful.
One must answer the question, “Will I ever be the same?”
JG answered that question and then some with his return.
Following a highly successful season with the Spartans in 2019, JG committed to Olney Central CC in one of the toughest JUCO conferences in the nation highlighted by 2019 National Champion Vincennes University. After fighting through a tough knee injury and a pandemic, Jordan fulfilled his goal of a full scholarship close to home where he was a Mr. Basketball finalist and a First Team All State Selection. We look forward to following his success at the next level and beyond.
We caught up with Jordan to ask him to share some wisdom with future FCP players and here is what he had to say:
FCP: What advice would you give to incoming post grad players?
JG: The advice I would give incoming players is to not take any practice, workout, or game for granted. Attack everyday with something to prove.
FCP: What is one thing you would do differently if you could do it all over again?
JG: Nothing at all. Everything that happened was a lesson that has shaped me into the man and player I am today.
FCP: Why did you pick FCP?
JG: I picked FCP because of Coach DeForest. He had a clear vision for me and his program that I was happy to be a part of. He cares about his players like family and I made the right decision to come and play for him.
FCP: What is your favorite memory from your time at FCP?
JG: My favorite memory was cleaning the vans after long road trips. We would be dead tired and just had a week full of games, but sure enough, we would pull up toe the car wash and clean the vans as a team. The laughs and jokes in those special moments away from the game, you cherish the most.
Thank you JG and best of luck this season!