Loyalty leads to Legacy: Savion Brown’s Time at NGU
Ian Johnson, Staff Writer
Photo Courtesy of Robbie Gawrys
In the new transfer portal era of college basketball, it is increasingly hard to find a player who stays at one school throughout his career. Savion Brown, captain of the men’s basketball team, is one of these unique players.
Brown grew up in Greenville, South Carolina, where he played basketball throughout middle and high school. Ever since he began playing, the goal has been to become a professional basketball player.
“That’s been the main goal since I was in middle school,” said Brown.
It wasn’t until his junior year in high school that he knew he could play college basketball.
Brown said, “I was working too hard not to get an opportunity [in college].”
Following high school, he earned two main college offers: Anderson University (SC) and North Greenville University. In the end, he decided to go to NGU because he felt like it was more like home.
Brown had a successful freshman season, playing 20 minutes a game and averaging nine points per game coming off the bench. The biggest challenge for him throughout the season was the size and speed of college athletes.
“Everybody else is moving fast, everybody’s stronger, and I just had to adapt,” said Brown.
He took a step back in his performance during his sophomore season as he played 15 minutes per game while averaging six points per game. His junior year is when he took his biggest jump as he became a full-time starter.
The biggest improvement for Brown was being more aggressive and gaining more confidence.
The improvements were clear in his performances as he doubled in both minutes (31) and points per game (11.7). In his senior season, Brown became one of Conference Carolinas best players and scorers.
Individually, Brown reached a career high across all of his statistics, including reaching 1,000 points across his college career. He finished the season averaging 19 points per game, earning a spot on the All-Conference second team selection. His efforts led the Trailblazers to their best record in over a decade and a Conference Carolinas Northwest Division title.
For Savion, staying all four years was important to him.
“I was praying about [staying at NGU] a lot, knowing God was going to point me in the right direction, and God kept pointing me here.”
One of the benefits that came with being at NGU was his parents being able to be at many of his games.
“It’s a blessing. My mom, my dad, they’re my biggest critics, but also my number one fans. Knowing that they love me, no matter how I play, is very relieving,” said Brown.
While he is seen for his athletic achievements, academics are still a major part of his life. A large part of being a college athlete is balancing being a student and an athlete.
For Brown, “Time management is key. You have to be a student, or you’re not gonna be able to succeed in what you want to do.”
Brown is a senior health science major who graduates in May. Originally, he was a biology major but switched after his freshman year.
“I knew [biology] would be very hard to pass, knowing that I wanted to be a basketball player.”
When asked about a class that stood out to him throughout his four years in college, he was quick to respond, saying, Exercise Prescription. He explained how that class taught him many things that would help him have a career in sports performance and be an athletic trainer.
Throughout his academic journey, he pointed out the importance of his advisor, Dr. Haltiwanger.
“She has been very, very special. She’s been caring a lot for me, made sure I was on the right path to graduate,” said Brown.
When asked how he would describe NGU to a potential student, Brown responded with this.
“Community’s gonna be here for you. NGU is very friendly and Christ-centered.”
Savion Brown is a great example of what an NGU Trailblazer is, both on and off the court. While he plans to pursue a career as a professional basketball player, he leaves behind a legacy that won’t be quickly forgotten.
