Braswell Perseveres with Charlotte Up Next

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Power Forward addresses early academic concerns to flourish

June 2, 2009 – Chris Braswell has completed his classes at Hargrave Military Academy, graduated, and is NCAA entrance requirement eligible, according to his mother Lesa. He first reports to UNC-Charlotte July 5th, with the end of August being his fall report date.

"It really has been a struggle" said the understandably proud mother. "I must say we've had some good people in our corner".

Chris Braswell is taking his game, including high post-based skills to Charlotte.

Braswell, a Suitland, MD product, left DeMatha Catholic High School (Hyattsville, MD) two years ago, as to become eligible he required extra course work. A year later at Hargrave, it was discovered a post graduate year was necessary. That extra time complicated his then commitment to Georgetown, at which time Chris re-opened his recruitment. After then being pursued by he likes of Indiana, Maryland, Xavier and others, Charlotte was chosen based upon that institution's interest and educational focus/support.

Who did Lesa want to note as helping?

"Everybody at Hargrave was wonderful, his (Triple Threat/Team Takeover) coaches Keith (Stevens), Nu Nu (Childs) and them, Dwight (Coach J from middle school) and Chucky Craig, his first mentor/godfather rolled into one, plus others" she shared.

Chris, reached before going to work out today, stated of going to college "It feels great about going to Charlotte. It's the next level for me".

And just what did he plan to work on at the session in Waldorf, MD?

"Big man drills, footwork, ball handling, mid range" said the 6'8", 230 pound power forward. In his estimation, the continued development of those skills, along with utilizing his prodigious passing ability, served him well at Hargrave last year (he dropped 22 and 10 per game) and will do so in Charlotte's uptempo attack also.

His mother thinks the young guy's 2.7 GPA and demonstrated leadership capabilities, demonstrated by his appointment as Captain of the Post Graduate Platoon will serve him even better in college.

Congrats go out to Chris and his family. They pushed through challenges - Lesa noted "It took alot for me to restrain from getting at alot of people who didn't have faith in my son. But he did it" - and now the young Braswell is on the cusp of the rest of his life.

Folks should take note.