KEON EDWARDS
In life, it’s often believed that things come in sets of three, both good and bad. Yet, for Keon Edwards, a member of the men’s basketball team at Northeastern State University, it’s a genuine belief that the third time is the charm.
A highly decorated athlete in high school, Keon found success at three different schools that earned the Houston (TX)native multiple scholarship opportunities on the Division-I level before choosing to attend DePaul University. After a coaching change, Edwards continued his collegiate basketball journey at Nebraska and later UW-Milwaukee. But it wasn’t until he came to NSU, that he found a place that feels like home.
Last year, the 6-foot-8 forward quickly became a featured piece of the RiverHawks success starting all 28 games and simultaneously found happiness on and off the basketball floor.
“It’s the genuine people here at NSU that have made the difference. It’s not just the words from my coaches and teammates but more of a feeling I get everyday that everyone here believes in me. Playing basketball, I’ve never had a situation where I knew that everyone was in my corner,” Keon said with a big smile. “I’ve got that now here at NSU.”
According to Edwards, one of the many comforts of home are the off-court hours where teammates get together and enjoy “friendly competition” while playing video games.
“We enjoy just hanging out with each other when we’re not in class or practicing and playing games.”
As he enters his final semester at NSU, Keon cherishes the relationships he’s formed with his professors while continuing to pursue a degree in communications.
“Just like the relationships with my teammates, the relationships with my professors are personal. They know me by name, and the classroom isn’t giant sized. When I walk into class, my instructor will often say, ‘Hey Keon, how’s your day going, how’s basketball, how are you feeling?’ I know they want what’s best for me.“
Keon admits that being resilient is what’s helped him achieve satisfaction in sports and in life.
“There’s been a lot of stops on my journey and there’s a lot of situations involved that take you a lot of places and battling injuries could make you fall out of love with the game, or even with life. But here at NSU, I’ve found that love again…not only just for why I started playing basketball but also for my future. I’ve made friends for life and I know that what they’re telling me is always what’s best for me.”
Using himself as an example, Edwards extends an invitation to anyone looking for the right place to achieve their dreams to consider Northeastern State University.
“They truly want me to win because if I win, we all win, and honestly everyone has my best interests on and off the court. That feeling and the relationships I’ve established make being here at NSU home for me.”
