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My grandparents were outstanding role models and a mentor to me. They founded one of the first African American Drum and Bugle Corps in the Midwest. The name of the Drum corp was the O’Quinn Royal Gladiators, located on Chicago’s west side. Through my grandparents efforts, countless inner city youth were given positive direction, encouragement and motivation. I too benefited form their example of community leadership. Today this outstanding drum corp is still a very positive influence within the African American community. | ||||
| I was a great football player and track and field athlete as well. Those learning experiences reinforced the true meaning of sportsmanship and fairness in competitive sports for me. The City of Chicago showed it’s appreciation for my grandparents untiring efforts by renaming a part of a busy street on Chicago's west side, Central Park Ave. after them. It is now known as John and Cleodia O’Quinn Ave. And to show how small the world is, while playing for the Pennsylvania Valley Dawgs I learned that Coach Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins and I are related. | Be sure to look for O'Quinn Royal Gladiators in the annual Bud Billiken Parade, held on Chicago south side. I have strong family values and close family ties. Without the direct support and mentoring from my family it would have been a challenge to remain focused on my goals. At a very young age I learned the importance of giving back my community. I seek and value opportunities to mentor and be a positive role model to others. I am still an active member of the Eagle Scouts. While in high school I excelled at other sports also. | ||||
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Position - Power Forward / Small Forward Height - 6'8" Weight - 225 Marital Status - Single Birth date - 9/30/74 Birth Place - Chicago, IL High School - Chicago Metro / Farragut Academy College - Northeastern Illinois University Professional Experience - Began in 1996 |
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This is my favorite girl "MOM." We are at our annual family gathering in Chicago.
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Mom and I during her visit to Appleton, Wisconsin, where I played for the Wisconsin Blast.
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Mom and I at a party. |
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Head Coach Darryl "Chocolate Thunder" Dawkins, my team mate, Kwan Johnson and I after a win against the Magic City Snowbears , January 1, 2000. I'd like to thank Coach Dawkins for helping me to improve my small forward skills as well as teaching me some of his moves to add to my arsenal.
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My family at my brothers wedding. Mom, my brothers Clint, Omar and I.
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My cousin, Jahaan, and I at our annual family gathering in Chicago. It's a time I really look forward to.
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My very good friend and a personal family friend, Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles Freeman at a 1996 New Years party.
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I have also delved into the
acting realm, and hope to pursue a modeling career. I had an
acting part in "Hoop Dreams," while playing for Chicago Metro High School.
I have many career interests, but basketball is my true passion.
I also enjoy public speaking. It is my desire to provide mentorship and give the benefit of my personal experience to those interested in becoming professional athlete's. One of my goal is to provide sports camp opportunities and team mentorship for inner city youth. My motto is, if you can reach one you can teach one. I enjoy golf, fishing, canoeing, a good game of pool and video games. I love to weight train. It not only helps me with my game, I also feel great after a good work out. I love to cook, I cook everyday. I like some of Pattie Labelles recipes, My favorite dishes to prepare include pasta, chicken, vegetables and fish, I can eat all day long! I also host cookouts for family and friends.
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I love music, I listen to Jazz, Reggae, Rap, R&B and Classical. Some of my favorite artists are: Janet Jackson, Jay-Z, Bob & Ziggy Marley, Whitney Houston, Lenny Kravitz, DMX and Master P. One of the highlights of my professional career was the travel. While playing in Europe I enjoyed experiencing other cultures and learning different languages. |
