Class of 2016 Graduate: Tonye Jekiri

Tonye Jekiri, from Port Harcourt, Nigeria, was a four-year player for the men’s basketball team at Miami and will graduate this weekend with a degree in sports administration. We caught up with the 7-footer prior to his final weekend at The U. 

This summer I plan to travel, play basketball, work out and try to sign with an NBA team.

Playing for the Hurricane basketball team was a blessing. It was a huge experience for me and was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for me.

In four years at Miami I have learned a lot on and off the court: How to be a man, how to be truthful, how to be hard working, how to socialize with other people and how to give back to the community.

One of my best memories of my time in Miami was when we traveled to Spain and we had a great time with the team. Having that kind of trip to Spain was one of the best things I did.

Dr. Tywan Martin and Windy Dees were my two favorite teachers in my four years on the University of Miami campus.

Coach L has been a great coach and a father figure to me. He always checked on me outside of basketball to see how I was doing with school. He told me he wanted me to focus on basketball but at the same time, the most important thing was my education, and for me to get my degree.

In five years I hope to be a great father, a great leader and a great icon in this society.