TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Tampa forward signs with Mississippi college

ADVERTISEMENT

By NICK WILLIAMS

nwilliams@tampatrib.com

Published: May 27, 2009

TAMPA - Kevin Templeton wasn't expected to play college basketball.

"He didn't even make his middle school team," said Adrian Johnson, Templeton's varsity basketball coach at Tampa Bay Technical High School.

Templeton, who lives in Lutz, spent three years on the bench before Johnson decided to move him into the starting rotation on the varsity squad this past season, where he averaged 7.8 points per game for the Titans.

"He's not the most talented player, but he's very coachable," he said.

Last week, however, Templeton's years of hard work paid off. The 6-foot-5 senior forward signed a letter-of-intent to play for Division III Millsaps College in Jackson, Miss., regarded as one of the top business schools in the country. Templeton has a 4.95 grade-point average and scored a 1510 on his SAT.

"He's come a long way," Johnson said. "He's a kid I see being very successful. Through loyalty and commitment, he's gotten something out of it."

Johnson said Templeton wants to become a sports agent.

Tampa Bay Tech reached the Class 5A District 8 tournament semifinals this past season and was one win away from reaching the playoffs. Johnson has confidence that Templeton will be a great college athlete.

"I see him as a late bloomer."

Reporter Nick Williams can be reached at (813) 259-7851.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT