Bobbitt’s breakout: the story behind a stellar season
Ian Johnson, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Robbie Gawrys
When the 2025-26 college basketball season started, Carter Bobbitt was an unknown player with no game-time experience at the college level. By the end of the season, he was named Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year, led the North Greenville University Trailblazers to a division title and the team’s best record in a decade.
Bobbitt grew up in New Jersey where he played multiple sports.
“I played lacrosse growing up and street hockey. I started playing basketball in 7th grade,” said Bobbitt, physical education major. “My coach in middle school was really the one who set the foundation in me to work hard and play hard.”
Bobbitt moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during his sophomore year of high school. He continued to play lacrosse and basketball at St. James High School. It was after his sophomore year that he decided he wanted to play basketball at the collegiate level.
“I always kind of just played lacrosse to stay in shape and to have something fun to do in the spring. I never really loved [lacrosse] like I did basketball. I’ve always loved basketball. I always just wanted to get better and work hard in that sport,” Bobbitt said.
After a successful senior basketball season, Bobbitt was faced with the decision most high school students confront: which college to attend. For many athletes, this process consists of receiving offers from coaches, going on school visits and picking the school that best fits. However, this wasn’t the case for him.
“Nobody really came to me. It was me reaching out and sending emails. I sent over 150 [emails] to schools,” said Bobbitt.
While he was reaching out to schools hoping for an opportunity to play basketball, it was one of the coaches that reached out to him that determined his college decision.
“Coach Lister actually came to me. I don’t think I reached out to them [NGU]. I’m so grateful that he found me because he’s the only one that gave me a chance,” said Bobbitt.
When talking about his initial visit to NGU, Bobbitt recounted the moment that solidified his college decision.
Bobbitt said, “When I came on my visit, we went to chapel. Something in chapel really captivated me. My mom was in tears and me and my dad were like, ‘Wow, this is crazy.’”
Many incoming freshmen want to immediately play, but for Bobbitt, redshirting and waiting a year was the plan from the start.
“I knew it was just going to be a year for me to work on my game, get college experience, and not lose eligibility,” he said.
For Bobbitt, the year was a chance to get better before he stepped on the court. He talked about how many people who redshirt don’t use it to their advantage. Despite not playing, he stayed motivated and dedicated to getting better even through hardships.
When asked what motivates him, Bobbitt responded with no hesitation, “My dad.”
“He’s really the one that got me into basketball. Growing up he was one of my AAU coaches. He used to help me work out a lot, he’s been the one that pushed me to work harder. I think he saw it in me before I saw it in myself,” he said.
Bobbitt lost his dad to cancer during his first semester in college.
With his eyes a little watered, and in a softer voice, Bobbitt continued his reflection on the father he’d lost just 16 months ago.
“He’s definitely my biggest inspiration. Everything now that I do through basketball is for him, so I am grateful for him,” he said.
In his first year on campus, the men’s basketball team finished the season 10-19, ending with a playoff loss against Converse.
Bobbitt said, “I remember after the [Converse] game, everybody was getting ready to get on the bus, and Coach Lister looked at me. He was like, ‘It’s time.’”
Yet, coming into this season, there were many uncertainties, as the Trailblazers replaced half of its roster.
When asked about his initial thoughts of the young team, he was quick to respond how he was excited and that he was hopeful for the season despite the lack of experience.
Bobbitt got his first collegiate start against Gardner-Webb University, a Division 1 opponent. NGU pulled off the upset, winning 92-81. Bobbitt scored 18 points in 22 minutes.
In the same week, the Trailblazers played a highly ranked Division 2 opponent, No. 16 Columbus State. In a game where the team was without its leading scorer, Savion Brown, they were able to secure another upset win. NGU won 58-57 in dramatic fashion, capped off by a buzzer-beater by Bobbitt.
.Bobbitt talked about the buzzer beater moment. He explained how he ran the initial play, but nothing was open. Carter thought for a moment that the game was over before he made the play that no one could have expected.
“I faked one way and was able to catch the ball. The [defender] was there with his hands straight up, but I was able to still get into my shooting motion, and yeah, the ball went in the hoop somehow,” he said.
NGU went on to have its most successful season in a decade, winning the Northwest division title with a record of 18-11. They would however fall to King University in the playoffs.
Bobbitt finished the season averaging 17.6 points and 7.4 rebounds with a season high 29 points against Paine College. Due to his stellar season, he was rewarded with the Conference Carolinas Freshman of the Year award.
He recounted the story of how he heard that he had won the award.
“I just woke up and Coach Lister called me. He was like, ‘I wanted to be the first one to tell you, you got freshman of the year.’”
Bobbitt said that it was definitely a shock and he was very thankful. He expressed how winning the award affirmed that he put a lot of work in and makes him want to work harder and do better.
“You gotta put in work every day. You can’t expect results if you choose what days you want to work and what days you don’t,” was Bobbitt’s advice for younger players.
Though his college career is far from over, Bobbitt has already fought through adversity. He showed that his hard work paid off and that through dedication, success is not only possible, it’s expected.
