Men’s basketball player RaShawn Latimer (Warrenton, Va./Kettle Run) has taken on many challenges throughout the season. With a recent change of position, he has shown his determination to help the Runnin Royals finish the year strong.
Due to recent injuries hampering the men’s basketball team, Latimer has moved to the point guard position instead of his usual shooting guard. The change has worked well for him thus far, as he’s averaged 19.8 points and 4.0 assists since moving to the point. While the position is new, he already feels comfortable taking the ball up the court and sees that it has helped step up his game.
“I like having the ball in my hands to either create for others or myself and I believe it’s impacted my game by having to be locked into the game more,” Latimer explained. “Having to set up and run the plays, being a leader and floor general, has really grown on me and I really enjoy it.” Head coach Kirby Dean is impressed with how the junior has fared at the new position. Dean explained that at the beginning of the season, Latimer was seen as a scoring-specific player, but has done well with the transition to running the floor as well.
“RaShawn has done a fantastic job stepping up in the face of all the injuries we’ve had this season,” Dean said. “No matter what we’ve asked of him this year, he has answered the bell every time.”
“Being an upperclassman with such a young talented group has really made me appreciate who I’m around every day,” Latimer said. “I’m blessed and thankful to be a part of such a great group. They never stop fighting and have helped me be a better leader on and off the court.” A promising season has hit its fair share of bumps in the road, as the Runnin Royals have taken some tough losses both on the court and in team health. While Latimer takes note of that, he sees a special characteristic in his team that is unmatched.
“We have lost some tough ones, but something about this team never giving up or throwing in the towel shows a lot about our character,” he said. “We haven’t been able to catch a break with injuries and losses but we are going to keep fighting until the season comes to an end.”
A junior, Latimer has another season of basketball to look forward to before graduating. He is majoring in sports and recreational leadership with minors in coaching and business. He hopes basketball stays a part of his life long after his time at EMU comes to a close.