Everyday Extraordinary: Que Brandon

My name is Que Brandon and I’m from Washington D.C. I’ve been playing basketball since I was seven years old. I played point guard all the way through high school and made the varsity team all four years. As a senior, I was ranked 50th overall in the nation and number 10 in point guards.

Because of my rankings, I attracted a lot of attention from recruiters at D1 colleges. I was heavily recruited by Temple University, which was my number one choice. My family, however, were extremely set on me attending WVU. Because I was quiet and shy and wanted to make my family happy, I made a decision that went against my heart. That decision would ultimately affect my chances at a professional career. 

When I got to WVU, I did extremely well in practice, but I wasn’t prepared to handle the politics. Because I was a freshman, I had to incorporate myself into a team of established players, which included a girl with a big name on campus who was already playing my position, point guard. I was asked to play small forward instead. I wasn’t getting playing time and didn’t quite feel like I belonged, so I transferred to the University of Rhode Island. 

NCAA rules say you have to sit out one full year if you transfer to a different university in the same division. Because of this, I had to sit out a year, which was incredibly difficult. Again, I faced adversity. They still wanted me to play small forward. During my senior year, my college coach punished me for something going on in my personal life. I was going to class, I was getting good grades, and I was eligible to play, but because of a relationship in my personal life that had nothing to do with the team, I was sidelined. 

These experiences shattered my spirit. They showed me that even if you work hard and play well, you still might not be called to the front — talent and hard work wasn’t enough. Nevertheless, I walked away proud that I had given my all at every opportunity, never doubted my skill or talent, and still believed I could achieve whatever I set my mind to. 

What if my destiny wasn’t to play professional basketball as much as it was to learn those lessons? As an adult now, I understand that life is about ebbs and flows. It’s not always going to be a straight and narrow path, but you do have to keep going. If you have a sense that you’re going to do something great or be something greater, then you have to focus on that — no matter what. 

While my college career discouraged me from pursuing basketball professionally, I never lost my love for the game. Basketball is totally connected with my inner child, and being on the court is my happy place. I began mentoring kids and teaching them basketball skills, which was my way of giving back to the game and maintaining my connection. I know I can help kids who have gone through what I have, or may have similar experiences in the future, to pursue their dreams no matter what.