Jefferson Award nominee teaches basketball, life skills to teens

Jermel President knows the taste of glory, how it can empower and blind. He knows what it's like to hear the cheers of a packed high school gym. He's felt the adrenaline charge of bringing the ball down in front of thousands in a college arena. He was regional player of the year at Burke High School, after all, and with the College of Charleston Cougars, he went to three NCAA tournaments.

The NBA? After college, President thought he had a shot. And, he came closer than most, playing with the New Jersey Shorecats of the U.S. Basketball League under Hall of Famer Rick Berry. But playing basketball in the minors is no glory ride. "You might get $400 a week, and you had to live out of a bag. And it was a revolving door; one bad game and you're out."

One day, the owner of three minor league teams stopped by, and President began thinking about all the money the owners made, about how every new year brings a fresh crop of kids from college with the same hopes of making a fast-break to the NBA. President realized he needed something more solid in his life. He quit and headed back to Charleston, hoping for a sign.

Read more of President's story in Sunday's Post and Courier.