Truly Inspiring People: Tyseem Lyles
I had someone in mind to feature as a T.I.P, but before I reached out to them I wanted to Google them first. I began typing his name... and Google finished it for me! That's a big deal! Tyseem Lyles, a Sports Management major at Tompkins Cortland Community College, is a basketball star on the rise. I never actually spoke to Tyseem while we were in high school, but after interviewing him, I learned a lot about his story. I always remember hearing "Nah boy, Tyseem really gon' make it Pro son." from all the guys. I don't know much about basketball but after looking at his stats, I've got to agree.
In the 26 games he's played this year, he's got a 18.5-points-per-game average. According to www.tc3.edu, he's got an average of 6.2 rebounds, 6.0 assists, and 4.0 steals per game (see more of his stats here...) But for now, read up on Tyseem Lyles.
1.What 3 words would you use describe yourself and why ?
Determined because I will stop at nothing to see myself succeed and living my dreams. Focused because I feel as if I have tunnel vision when it comes downs to accomplishing my goals and taking those steps in the right direction. Futuristic because I am constantly planning, constantly watching out for the pot holes. Pot holes are things that possibly will slow me down. With these three attributes I feel nothing can stop me.
2. What's your story behind your love for basketball? When did you realize this was your purpose?
My love for basketball blossomed through the pain in my life at a young age. My grandfather passed away when I was 10. I felt like he was the only one that understood me. I would go shoot the basketball outside just to be alone from everyone regardless of the weather. I used basketball to cope until I unknowingly fell in love with the game and fell in love with the process of getting better. When I reached the age of 12 my mom asked me
"What do you want to be when your older?"
I replied "I want to go to the NBA." I will never forget the disappointing look on her face . She tried to talk me out of it but I knew that's what I wanted to be in my heart. Nothing is going to come in between me and my dreams.
3. What role does education have in pursuing your career?
I currently attend Tompkins Cortland Community College majoring in Sports Management. Education plays a big role in where I'm trying to go because I can't go to the NBA without doing 2 years of college. Education is key so I don't mind. I also see college as a great place to network so education in many ways is beneficial to me.
4. What obstacles have you faced to get to where you are now? Are you still dealing with them now?
Before attending Tompkins Cortland Community College I was at Virginia Union University. I was supposed to play for them but things didn't quite work out in my favor. The coach that recruited me was fired the Spring semester of my Freshmen year and was replaced. I had to start from the bottom again. I earned my spot but then began to be treated unfairly. I was looked down upon and wasn't treated like I was apart of the team no matter how hard I worked. Eventually I couldn't take it any longer. It ate away at me everyday and I contemplated quitting basketball and throwing away my dreams. I returned home that winter, got a job and helped around the house. It was then that I realized this isn't the end.
I won't stop chasing my dreams for anyone no matter what. So I began to get back into shape and played in countless parks until someone recommended me into a few tournaments. I began recorded myself playing. I met the assistant coach here at TC3 (Tompkins Cortland Community College) who sent my tapes to the head coach and they decided to give me a chance. In a way I still am dealing with my past because it keeps me motivated.
5. How has your environment influenced your goals?
Nothing was ever given to me. I can say my environment trained me well for the real world and to always fight for what is yours. And never give up on yourself. (MESSAGE!)
6.What has been your greatest accomplishment to date? Why?
My greatest accomplishment is overcoming my obstacles at Virginia Union University and from that point on I decided to be great and never looked back.
(Tyseem just received his Associates Degree in Liberal Arts and was titled Player Of The Year. Congratulations!)
7.What would you say to anyone looking to follow your footsteps?
To everyone out there chasing a dream: Don't ever let someone tell you what you can't be, no matter how tough the obstacles are. They will not last forever as long as you keep pushing. Forever chase your dreams no matter your age. You're never to old to live your dreams.
I look forward to seeing more of his accomplishments in the future. And I'm gonna need me a jersey when he makes it!