DeVonte Upson

Athlete of the Week is DeVonte Upson. He was born on March 23, 1993 in Augusta, Georgia and grew up in Amarillo, Texas. In August 2014, this senior majoring in general studies joined the Lions basketball team. At 6’9”, he towers over most people, but fits right in with his team. Upson wants to get a master’s in sports marketing. After, he hopes to invest in sports equipment and acquire a sports facility in Amarillo, Texas to help out the youth. He wants to do this by starting basketball programs that will keep them off the streets.

The Lion’s Roar: Why did you choose to start playing basketball? How long have you been playing basketball? 

Upson: I chose to play basketball because I had a great love for the game. First, I was playing football. I decided to stop playing because I got a little bit too tall. I started watching clips of LeBron James and started to like it. I’ve been playing for about 14 or 15 years.  

TLR: How did you get on Southeastern’s team?

Upson: Alexander House recruited me. He’s no longer here, but he was a pretty good guy. He said interesting things that persuaded me to come here. Louisiana food is spectacular [and] the environment is pretty clean.

TLR: What was your funniest basketball moment? 

Upson: I was going up to block somebody from LSU last year, but I missed badly, flipping over him and landing on my butt pretty hard. I think they got a photo of that on the Internet and I have a pretty ugly face. It was pretty funny though.

TLR: Have you ever had any basketball injuries? 

Upson: This year [and] last year, I hurt my shoulder. Right now, I have a torn labrum and a slight tear on my rotator cuff. Around the Conference tournament, I hurt it. They diagnosed me, and I have been playing with it.

TLR: Do you think you will have a career in basketball? 

Upson: Yes, I believe I can. I have enough confidence to know that I can work hard every day, stay on the path and I can get picked up. If not here [in the United States], then overseas.

TLR: If you could meet any basketball player, who would it be? 

Upson: I like Kevin Durant. That’s my favorite player. I compare myself to him because we’re not big [burly] guys, but he finds a way to get it done. He’s an MVP in my eyes. [He is a] good inspiration and came from tough streets in Maryland. He keeps his head focused, so he’s on the right path.

TLR: What is your favorite part of basketball? 

Upson: I like winning. Other than that, competing. I love to score the ball when I can because I feel like I can score any time. I like the teammate aspect. Teamwork makes the dream work. I like the environment of basketball [because] it’s very fun for me.

TLR: What is the best characteristic a coach can have when coaching a team?

Upson: [A good coach is one who] displays confidence in his teammates, encourages his team and keeps his head up even in down situations.

TLR: What’s your favorite aspect of the game? 

Upson: Just competing. You’re out here running up and down the floor. It’s a good exercise. I like the intensity with the crowd when the crowd’s here.

TLR: What are your strengths and weaknesses?

Upson: My weaknesses, I have a lot: dribbling with my left hand and shooting. I believe I can shoot, but dunking, doing hook shots, communication on defense and non-selfishness are strengths.  Another weakness is sometimes my anger and frustration on court. I have to fix that.

TLR: What do you do during your spare time?

Upson: I sleep and chill when my friends are around. I like to chill with family. I’ll be in my room and do a couple of homework assignments here and there. I’m trying to make goals. I watch a little bit of TV: sports, “Martin” and the “Wayans Brothers” [and] old school stuff.  

TLR: What are your plans for the future? 

Upson: Hopefully go either oversees or here, play professionally and have a good career. After that, save up money and invest in sports. And just go from there.