Following Chris Paul’s college stint with Wake Forest basketball, many would be surprised to learn that the former Phoenix Suns guard is also a proud alum of Winston-Salem State University, where he graduated in December with a bachelor’s degree in Communications. 

In a recent interview with The Pivot Podcast, the future Hall of Famer reminisced about his decision to finish his degree at his hometown HBCU with podcast hosts Ryan Clark, Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder.

 

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Paul shared how the football culture at WSSU was a consistent memory shared with family.

“I don’t ever go to Wake Forest. Like, they got like trees around the campus so you can’t see there, but I would go to Winston-Salem State all the time because we would go to the football games on Saturday,” Paul said. “My cousins, all my family went there, and so that’s just my normal.”

As for his college decision, Paul chose to play two seasons for Wake Forest University before becoming the third pick in the 2005 NBA Draft. However, that doesn’t mean he stopped cheering on neighboring HBCUs as he got older.

“I went to Wake Forest University, and I’m so grateful for that opportunity and what I was able to do from Wake Forest, but that doesn’t mean that I still can’t support Winston-Salem State and A&T and all that.”

Despite academic setbacks in pursuing his basketball career, Paul always set his sights on graduating from Winston-Salem State. This accomplishment meant a lot to him, as it fulfilled what he told Crowder was a need to get his degree — even with his wealth.

“For me, it’s about completion. For real, it’s about completion. I ain’t never been a quitter. Never will be. But it’s something I told my mom right before I left school. Like when I went that I was going to do it,” Paul said. “I’ll never forget my brother when he graduated, I was just so proud. Everybody in my family didn’t get that opportunity.”

Paul may be one of the best to sport the Wake Forest basketball jersey, but Winston-Salem University will always hold a special place in his heart.

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