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10 The Panther February 15-28, 2017
Clark Atlanta University
Derek Harper fires a three-pointer against Morehouse
SPOTLIGHT ON Lawrence Triplett
By Craig Allen Brown
SPORTS EDITOR
Despite being an undersized forward,
Lawrence Triplett certainly does not play
small. As of press time, the 6’3” senior is
ranked second in rebounding, fifth in offensive
rebounds, and second in defensive rebounds
in the entire Southern Intercollegiate Athletic
Conference. His play made him an easy
selection for SIAC Player of the Week.
The senior from Miami, Florida notes
that hard work, focus, and dedication make
these kinds of accolades not only possible, but
probable. But he also
acknowledges his teammates as being equally
responsible. “I do understand that I can’t do
that without my teammates,” he said. “Without
my teammates, none of that is possible. It’s
truly a blessing, but I just want to continue to
work so we can win championships.”
Triplett has had his fair share of road
blocks during his career. He cites losing family
members during the season as clearly one of
his most significant hurdles. He has attended
four schools in five years, he has been doubted
by coaches, he has been doubted by himself,
and he has had to bounce back from significant
injuries. But he states that overcoming these
obstacles is what makes the whole process so
worthwhile.
When asked how he is able to be such
a prolific rebounder at his size, he replied,
“Effort. My favorite athlete, Ray Lewis, says
that effort is between you and you. No one can
control your effort. I feel that rebounding is an
‘effort’ process that I am completely in control
of. It doesn’t matter what size you are; you just
have to have the willingness to go do it.”
Triplett does not have a single moment
Lawrence Triplett
“Without my
teammates, none of
that is possible. It's
truly a blessing, but I
just want to continue
to work so we can
win championships-
Triplett
SPOTLIGHT ON:
Derek Harper
By Craig Allen Brown
SPORTS EDITOR
After two subpar seasons that saw the
CAU men’s basketball team win only seven
and nine games, Derek Harper has lit a spark
in the 2016-2017 team. As of press time, the
Panthers have won 13 games, and are one
game out of first place in the SIAC East.
For the last four seasons, Harper has
been an integral component of the men’s
basketball team. This is evidenced by his
surpassing 1,000 points for his career, a feat
accomplished by only one other Panther in the
last 20 years. Harper credits this achievement
as being one of two that he is most proud of on
the court.
The other is the “Space Jam”...
On Jan. 2, in a game against LeMoyne-
Owen College, Harper was executing a play
drawn up by head coach Darrell Walker. With
roughly three minutes remaining in the game,
he crossed over one defender, and dribbled into
the lane. When another defender attempted
to take a charge, the 5’ 11” Harper jumped,
using momentum from contact with the
defender to propel him to the rim. He dunked
the ball emphatically with both hands, and
was awarded a personal foul. The play was
significant for two reasons: the basket gave
him 999 career points; the subsequent made
free throw would give him 1,000 points for his
career. And second: video of the dunk would
go viral. The play would be featured on media
everywhere, from Sportscenter to USAToday.
com.
Despite much individual success,
Harper is clearly focused on a successful
season for the entire team. He states that
the goal of the team is to win a national
championship. When asked about the team’s
biggest strength, he responded: “We don’t give
up, and we don’t quit, regardless of what’s
going on.”
Harper plans to play professionally
overseas after he graduates. He credits his
time at Clark Atlanta as pivotal in preparing
him for success in life after college. “I’ve
enjoyed my four years here at Clark Atlanta,
and I wouldn’t change it for anything.”
this season that he is most fond of.
He states that the season in totality is special,
and is something that he will always
remember. He also reflected on the difficulties
of playing for Coach Darrell Walker, a former
NBA player and NBA coach. He cites his
demanding nature as a catalyst to go out every
night and perform to his utmost capabilities.
Triplett’s dedication to the game and
commitment to his team will most certainly
continue to have a positive effect on the
Panthers’ success. “There will never be a
game where I don’t give it my all. I want
my legacy to reflect that I was the toughest
individual on the court at all times.”