Belizean Baller Scores U.S. Scholarship After Local Scouting Event

It was a game-changing moment on the court, and off it. In late May, a unique partnership between Minister of State Devin Daly and his former university, Lake Superior State, brought a basketball scouting event to Belize City. And tonight, one young athlete is living proof that dreams can take flight. Twenty-one-year-old Tyrell Griffith has earned an athletic scholarship thanks to his standout performance at that event. We caught up with him today during a special ceremony held in his honor, where he shared what this opportunity means for his future.

 

Tyrell Griffith, Scholarship Recipient

“It started from I was seventeen. I was playing volleyball and then four months after I said this is not my sport. I started playing basketball, going around the parks and I cam across a man named Rico Black and went under his camp and started working out with the boys. I was young, didn’t take basketball serious, now I take it serious and look where I am at. With education, more excited about that part, engineering is in my family, my brother is electrical, I am more civil engineering, so I am excited.”

 

Devin Daly, Minister of State, Ministry of Sport

“A very special day for me, especially today knowing this young man Tyrell is finally capitalizing on his lifelong dream to play basketball, but more so, this is a great opportunity for this young man and his family to pursue an undergrad education free of cost why utilizing his god given talent. This is a nostalgic moment for me as I attended this university. I started my journey at this university way back in 2012.”

 

Anthony Mahler, Minister of Sports

“This is a huge opportunity for himself, his family, Belize. We can continue to open doors for others . you go there, put in the work, focus on school first and ball will always be there. You will be in an environment where they expect a higher level of professionalism in your academics and craft so that is the advice I am going to give you.”