“Going to college and not playing knowing I could contribute in a game but not being able to, it was a lot to handle.” The Basketball Journey of Trevon Scott.
Trevon Scott’s basketball journey began in the heart of Georgia, amidst a backdrop of towering pine trees, dirt roads, and a tight-knit community. Growing up in a family of five, Scott’s childhood was steeped in the kind of outdoor adventures and familial closeness that shaped his values and his approach to the game he loves.
A Country Upbringing
“Growing up where I’m from, it’s a pretty unique area,” Scott reflects. “It’s kind of a country vibe. Before basketball, I was doing a lot of outdoor stuff like fishing, mud-bogging, and running around in the woods. A lot of my family hunted, and my mom’s side were fishermen. That was the life we lived.”
Scott’s childhood was defined by the simplicity and beauty of rural Georgia. Whether it was fishing trips with his great-grandfather or playing in the woods with his sisters, these moments instilled a sense of discipline and creativity that would later fuel his athletic pursuits.
“Growing up in Georgia was great,” he said. “You’d experience things a lot of kids never get to. The food was always great, the summers were beautiful, and you had a lot of fun with the outdoors. The community was small, and everyone knew each other.”
The Impact of Family and Community
Scott’s family played a pivotal role in his development, both personally and athletically. “I come from a family of five, my dad, my mom, myself, and my two younger sisters. We’re a very close-knit family, and that closeness has always been a big part of who we are, even to this day,” Scott said.
His parents, who both played sports, were his first role models. Watching his uncles and cousins excel in basketball and football fueled his competitive spirit.
“I’d watch them and think, ‘I want to do that one day.’ Being younger, I got to play with them at a young age, which helped me become a better player.”
His community also had a hand in shaping him.
“It was a small place, so everyone knew each other,” Scott explains. “My parents had the luxury of people looking out for us, making sure we stayed in line. That stuck with me as I grew up.”
Scott’s biggest cheerleader, however, was his Uncle Donald, affectionately known as “Duck.”
“Duck was my biggest supporter. He’d come to all my games, walking up and down the gym, cheering me on. Even now, I write ‘Duck Season’ on every pair of my basketball shoes. I play for God and my family, but I also play for him. He wanted me to chase my dreams, and I’m doing that for him.”
The Challenges of Small-Town Dreams
Growing up in a football-centric small town, Scott faced unique challenges in pursuing basketball.
“It was tough to get my name out there. I didn’t have the political push that a lot of guys in my class had,” he said. “But I challenged myself to go hard every opportunity I got. AAU basketball helped me a lot. My coaches put us in the right tournaments, and I made sure to perform whenever I got the chance.”
Scott’s determination paid off, but not without moments of doubt.
“When I first got to college, I redshirted. Coming out of high school, I thought I was the best player on my team. But then I wasn’t playing. That’s when doubt started creeping in. Being redshirted and not playing, just practicing. I knew I could produce in a game, but I couldn’t. I’d sit there, cheering for my teammates, but deep down, I’d go back every day after practice knowing I didn’t play. It was tough at a young age, but I’m happy I went through it. It changed my mindset and fueled me to work even harder.”
“I stopped thinking for the present and started thinking for the years to come. I didn’t want to feel that way again, so I worked super hard.”
Family Sacrifices and Support
Scott’s family’s unwavering support was instrumental in his journey.
“They supported me physically, mentally, and emotionally,” he says. “They made sacrifices to ensure I could pursue my dream. From taking me to practices to encouraging me when things got tough, they were always there.”
His sisters, who also play basketball, were another source of inspiration for Scott.
“We all feed off each other’s energy and passion for the game. That dynamic has been a huge influence on my journey.”
The Path to Professional Basketball
When reflecting on Scott’s family and how pivotal athletics were for each member, the conversation of telling his family that he wanted to pursue professional basketball wasn’t a hard conversation.
“From the time I first picked up a basketball, they supported me,” he said. “They told me to go hard every opportunity I got and make my dream a reality. They’ve been behind me 110%.”
Despite his college success, Scott went undrafted after graduation. The setback didn’t diminish his drive, as he began his professional career with the Utah Jazz in the NBA G League bubble. The following year, Scott joined the Cleveland Cavaliers, where he achieved a personal milestone by scoring his first NBA points.
“Seeing that ball go in for the first time, that’s a moment I’ll never forget,” Scott shares. “Kevin Love gave me the game ball afterward, and being embraced by my teammates and coaches is a memory I will never forget.”
In addition to his time in Cleveland, Scott’s professional journey has included stints with the Los Angeles Clippers’, Charlotte Hornets and Orlando Magic G League affiliate teams, seasons playing overseas, and a season with the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) as a member of the Calgary Surge.
Outside of his family, Scott credits his AAU coaches, high school coaches, and trainers for pushing him to succeed. Reflecting on his journey, Scott shares, “My career has been full of milestones. From playing in the NCAA Tournament every year in college to signing my first professional contract and scoring my first NBA points, it’s all been incredible.”
The Hardest Transitions and Lessons
Scott acknowledges the challenges he’s faced. “The hardest transition was going from playing in the U.S. to Europe, it’s a different style of basketball. Adapting to that game was tough, but it made me a better player.”
He also reflects on feeling overlooked throughout his career. “Honestly, I just feel like I’ve been overlooked in every situation. It’s frustrating, but I’ve always thrived as the underdog. I know my potential and where I belong. I’ve succeeded like this my whole life.”
The Bigger Picture
Now a professional basketball player, Scott reflects on the journey that got him here. “Every obstacle I faced made me stronger. My upbringing in Georgia, my family’s support, and the challenges I overcame all contributed to who I am today. I’m grateful for every experience because it’s all part of the story.”
Scott also values the spiritual aspect of his journey. “What I value most about playing basketball is that God gave me this ability. It was already written before I was born. He allowed me to play at such a high level, and I’m thankful for it every day.”
Scott’s journey is a testament to resilience, faith, and the power of a supportive community. From fishing trips in rural Georgia to playing basketball on the global stage, he has proven that dreams are achievable with hard work and unwavering support.
FOR MORE STORIES ON WHAT IS GOING ON IN SPORTS, VISIT DUNKINDHOOMA.COM, AND FOLLOW @DUNKINDHOOMA ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION ON SPORTS BIOGRAPHIES AND NEWS.
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN GETTING YOUR STORY SHOWCASED TO THE WORLD, SEND ME AN EMAIL AT DUNKINDHOOMA@GMAIL.COM.