From former college teammates, roommates, and even opponents in a professional game on the other side of the world. We have teamed up to bring people the knowledge and experiences we have gained over the years.
About Michael
God has blessed me with many, wonderful people and opportunities throughout my life. I am married to the woman of my dreams, Lexi and we have a puppy named Theo. We are currently living in Yamagata City, Japan where I am playing professional basketball for a team called Yamagata Wyverns.
I grew up in Champaign, IL where I had my loving parents and three siblings alongside me. I was a very active and social kid growing up. I was always playing with my siblings and/or friends and usually, that meant we were playing one or multiple sports.
Post high school, I had the opportunity to play basketball at the University of Illinois and Grand Canyon University (GCU). I earned both a bachelor’s and master’s degree at both respective Universities. At Illinois, I was a three-time, Big Ten All-Academic honorary. At GCU, I was a WAC All-Academic Honorary as well as First Team All-WAC Player and a First Team All-Newcomer Recipient.
Post-college, I have played professional basketball in Europe and now Asia. In my five years, I have played in Poland, Estonia, Netherlands, Greece, Cyprus, Portugal and now Japan. Additionally, I won a National Championship in The Netherlands. It has been a journey, but it has all been a part of God’s plan.
About Malcolm
Growing up, my father was a high school basketball coach for Normandy High school in St Louis. From the time I was born I always had a basketball in my hand and when I turned four was when I officially started playing in a rec league. To say I was destined to be a basketball player would not be a tough guess.
Post high school I attended the University Of Illinois. I graduated in four years with my Bachelor’s degree. In four years I was able to become the school’s third all-time leading scorer and also was a Second Team All-Big Ten recipient twice in my career.
I have been blessed with the unique opportunity of playing in multiple countries. Countries that include Kazahstan, Germany, the Philippines, Israel, and many more. Growing up, I never would’ve thought I would be able to show my parents around in these different countries all due to basketball. Not to mention the fact that I’ve met some awesome friends along the way outside the States.
As for now, I am currently in Atlanta writing from a hotel room on a 10-day contract for the Atlanta Hawks as I continue to pursue my goal of being an NBA player.
In The Know w/ Finke & Hill 