UTC's Makinde London: Thankful To Play College Basketball

At 6-10, UTC sophomore Makinde London is a double threat to opponents as he can shoot the 3-pointer as well as block a shot down low or turn and dunk.

“I played point guard growing up so when I grew nine inches between my freshman and senior years in high school and learned to play several positions on the floor I was ahead of most of the big men who were just focusing on playing near the basket,” said London who has modeled his game after NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Kevin Durant..

“I am thankful for all the time my mom worked with me when I was a kid in the backyard and at the playground to improve my game.”

The UTC sophomore couldn’t have asked for a better mentor as his mom, Sheila Easley, was a member of Georgia’s SEC championship teams in 1983 and 1984 and a Final Four appearance as a senior.

“I played several sports growing up, but I knew basketball was the game for me early on and she helped instlll in me the love for the game,” he stated.

London has a title of his own as he was a member of the 2015 national champion Montverde Academy (Fla.) team and now wants to help the Mocs win another Southern Conference title

On this day as millions of Americans stop to give thanks to God for a myriad of blessings, including freedom, family and health, London is blessed to be able to play for the Mocs this season after transferring from Xavier after last season.

“I am thankful for the NCAA committee members who have allowed me to play this season and not have to take a redshirt year and for the people at UTC who also helped make this possible,” said London who wanted to play at a school near his hometown on Nashville.

 “I live day to day and not worry much about the future and put it in the Lord’s hands as we waited for the NCAA committee’s decision,” London stated who was granted immediate eligibility the morning of the Mocs opener against Tennessee Nov. 11 which the Mocs won 82-69 with London contributing four rebounds and two points in 16 minutes.

London, who has started the last three games for the Mocs, gives the Blue and Gold along with 6-10 senior Justin Tuoyo an imposing one-two presence in the low post.

“I have never played with a guy my height before this season as Makinde is so versatile being able to shoot outside and be a strong player inside,” said Tuoyo as together, the two Mocs big men average 12 rebounds and 22 points a game.

Next Game:  Saturday Nov. 26 … UTC at Kennesaw (Ga.) State, 2 p.m.

Next Home Game: Sat. Dec. 3 …. UTC hosts U. of Louisiana-Monroe, 2 p.m McKenzie Arena

contact B.B. Branton at william.branton@comcast.net