Now, all of you know I am a big Memphis State University (University of Memphis) basketball fan. Also, growing up in West Memphis, one gets a feel for shooting the rock as well. In high school, our basketball team was 60-0 thanks to a group of guys. The team featured Keith Lee, Michael Cage, Aaron Price, and Tim Harrell. There were more players on the team of course, but these were the power players, the franchise players, if you will. Michael Cage and Tim Harrell went on to find there place in the world. Cage played NBA ball for years and led the league in rebounding during his early years. Harrell became a minister after playing NAIA ball in college and earning All American success as well. As for Price and Lee, luck was not so good. Cousins, who took West Memphis to history, landed at Memphis State University. There basketball success is well documented but what happened after is known to a few. Price was later killed and Lee disappeared off the map after a 3 year stint in the NBA.
Over the years, all the true blue fans have wondered about Keith Lee. Where is he? What is he doing? There were sightings from time to time. Rumor has it that he did not like to talk to the media or fans about the "glory days". Perhaps it was the failure to make a long run in the NBA. Perhaps it was the failure to win the NCAA championship when Villanova took it to Memphis. Who knows?
Maybe, after Saturday's graduation, Keith Lee can take the next step in his journey. Keith Lee does not realize that he still has many fans and people who want him to be successful. Keith Lee says he wants to be a coach. Who knows where he will end up? Today, he is a college graduate with a new lease on life. As with basketball, so goes life. Go ahead, Keith, take the ball and dunk it just one more time. You still have it in you!
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