Basketball Alumnus Returns to Finish His Degree While Playing in NBA

AJ Lawson doesn’t give up, and he doesn’t leave things unfinished. The former South Carolina basketball standout (2018-2021) and current NBA player graduated last weekend after coming back to finish his degree through the Carolina Degree Completion Program.

“I still had a year left of school, and I felt like it was the best decision to go back and finish,” said Lawson, who graduated with a degree in service management. “My mom wanted me to do it, too. I wanted to make her happy, and it makes me feel accomplished to know that I finished college.”

The Carolina Degree Completion Program, which is part of the Gamecock Student-Athlete Promise, is for student-athletes who left the university in good academic standing to pursue a professional career or did not complete their degree due to personal circumstances. The program allows them to apply to be readmitted and finish their degree while eligible to receive funding for room, board, books, and tuition. They also have access to all the resources offered to current student-athletes, such as tutors, laptops, and use of the Dodie Anderson Academic Enrichment Center. Some may not need all the assistance as it’s not uncommon to have a return to school written in professional contracts.

“It was a challenge, and it was hard at times,” Lawson said of balancing online classes and his NBA schedule, which included a run in the playoffs. “The biggest challenge was opening my laptop after a hard day or a game. Sometimes I just wanted to chill or go to a restaurant with friends. So, I had to really find time to get my homework done. I just had to stay focused and remind myself, hey, you started this, now go finish it.”

The Toronto, Ontario native averaged 14.2 points per game in his three seasons with the Gamecocks before declaring for the NBA Draft after his junior season when he averaged a career best 16.6 points per game. After going undrafted in 2021, Lawson joined the Miami Heat and the Atlanta Hawks for the NBA Summer League before playing in the NBA G League and the Canadian Elite Basketball League. He continued to chase his dream of playing in the NBA and initially earned a spot with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks before spending the last two seasons with the Toronto Raptors. After the early disappointment to the start of his pro career, Lawson didn’t give up.

“I just had the passion and motivation to know that I could do it,” Lawson said. “It has always been a dream of mine, and I wanted to achieve my dreams. That motivation and passion kept me going. My family and friends helped keep me grounded and locked in. It has always been a goal of mine to be in the NBA, and I wasn’t going to take no for an answer.”

For any former student-athletes who have not finished their degree, Lawson has some simple advice.

“I’d say go and get it! Everybody who has the chance to do it should. It feels great. It’s another milestone in my life that I’ve finished off.”