| Name | College Attended | Degree(s) Earned | Field of Study/Major | Graduation Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christian James McCollum | Lehigh University | Bachelor of Arts | Journalism | 2013 |
Educational Journey
CJ McCollum attended Lehigh University, a private research university in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. He chose Lehigh because he wanted to pursue both his basketball and academic passions. He majored in journalism, with a minor in mass communication. He was a stellar student, graduating with a 3.6 GPA and earning academic honors from the Patriot League.
McCollum was also a phenomenal basketball player for the Lehigh Mountain Hawks. He was named the Patriot League Player of the Year twice, in 2010 and 2012. He led his team to two NCAA Tournament appearances, including a historic upset over Duke in 2012, when he scored 30 points as a 15th seed against a 2nd seed. He finished his college career as the all-time leading scorer in Lehigh and Patriot League history, with 2,361 points.
McCollum had a strong relationship with his coach, Brett Reed, who helped him develop his skills and confidence. He also had a mentor in Damian Lillard, another NBA star who came from a small school (Weber State). Lillard reached out to McCollum after his injury in his senior year and offered him advice and support.
McCollum was involved in various extracurricular activities on campus. He was a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, the Brown and White student newspaper, and the Hawk Network student television stations. He also volunteered for community service projects, such as reading to elementary school students and visiting senior citizens.
Early Life and Background
McCollum was born on September 19, 1991, in Canton, Ohio. He grew up in a loving family, with his parents Errick and Kathy, and his older brother Errick Jr., who also played basketball. McCollum was a late bloomer, standing at only 5’2″ as a freshman in high school. He worked hard to improve his game and his body, eventually growing to 6’3″ by his senior year.
McCollum showed signs of his talent and passion for basketball at an early age. He started playing when he was four years old, following his brother’s footsteps. He idolized Allen Iverson and Kobe Bryant and modeled his game after them. He also loved to read and write, especially about sports. He dreamed of becoming either a professional basketball player or a sports journalist.
Post-College Journey
McCollum’s college education prepared him well for his professional career. The Portland Trail Blazers drafted him with the 10th overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft. He spent nine seasons with the Blazers, becoming one of the best shooting guards in the league. He averaged 18.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for his career. He won the NBA Most Improved Player award in 2016. He formed a dynamic backcourt duo with Lillard, leading the Blazers to eight consecutive playoff appearances. In 2022, he was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans, where he continues to play at a high level.
McCollum’s college connections also helped him in his post-graduation endeavors. He maintained contact with his former coach Reed, who became one of his closest friends and mentors. He also stayed in touch with Lillard, who became his teammate and partner in crime on the court. He also used his journalism degree to pursue his media interests. He launched his podcast called “Pull Up with CJ McCollum”, where he interviews other athletes and celebrities about sports and life. He also writes articles for The Players’ Tribune, a platform for athletes to share their stories and opinions.
Impact and Significance
McCollum’s educational background is highly respected and admired in his field. He is one of the few NBA players who completed their four-year college degree before entering the league. He is also one of the few players who came from a mid-major school and achieved success at the highest level. He is an inspiration and a role model for many young players who aspire to follow in his footsteps.
McCollum has also made several comments and reflections about his college years. He has expressed his gratitude and appreciation for his alma mater, saying that Lehigh gave him the opportunity and the platform to showcase his skills and potential. He has also credited his college education for helping him develop his critical thinking and communication skills, which he uses in his basketball and media careers. He has also praised his college coach Reed for being a positive influence and a lifelong friend.
Interesting Anecdotes or Trivia
Here are some fun and fascinating facts from McCollum’s college years:
- McCollum was the first player in NCAA history to score 2,000 points, 600 rebounds, and 400 assists in his career.
- McCollum was the first player from the Patriot League to be drafted in the first round of the NBA draft.
- McCollum’s jersey number 3 was retired by Lehigh in 2013, making him the second player in school history to receive that honor.
- McCollum once scored 54 points in a high school game, setting a school and county record.
- McCollum was nicknamed “The Professor” by his college teammates, because of his intelligence and academic excellence.
Relevance to Today’s Students
McCollum’s college journey offers many valuable lessons and insights for today’s students who are interested in pursuing similar fields. Here are some of them:
- Don’t let your size or background limit your dreams. McCollum overcame his physical disadvantages and his lack of exposure to become one of the best players in the world. He proved that hard work, dedication, and confidence can overcome any obstacle.
- Choose a college that fits your goals and interests. McCollum picked Lehigh because it offered him the chance to play basketball and study journalism, two of his passions. He made the most of his college experience, excelling in both academics and athletics.
- Be versatile and adaptable. McCollum played both point guard and shooting guard in college, showing his versatility and adaptability. He also learned how to balance his basketball and media careers, using his skills and knowledge in different ways.
- Be humble and grateful. McCollum never forgot where he came from, and always showed appreciation for his family, coaches, teammates, and mentors. He also gave back to his community, by volunteering, donating, and mentoring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, CJ McCollum is an amazing example of how a college education can help you achieve your dreams and make a difference in the world. He went to Lehigh University, where he studied journalism and played basketball. He graduated with honors, broke records, and led his team to memorable victories. He then entered the NBA, where he became one of the best shooting guards in the league. He also pursued his media interests, by launching his podcast and writing articles. He is an inspiration and a role model for many students who want to follow in his footsteps.
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