Usually we write our own articles on our athletes, but this time was different. We reached out to Justin to do a feature article on him and to say the least he was ecstatic. Yes, I did have the pleasure of speaking with him on the phone and all I could hear in this young man's voice was determination,hunger,ambition. Not only did he send us videos but he personally sent us his own written biography, and that is what we would like to share with you all. Who can tell their own story better than themselves right? Before we share that with you, we would like you to keep in mind that he is presently now playing in the Drew League with some NBA players, he was recently seen on the court with Orlando Magic young star Aaron Gordon. This guy is nothing to sneeze at make sure you look out for him. Hope you enjoy his mini biography. I am Justin Pierce born Dec. 12/17/1990 in a small town called Fort Myers, Fl. I grew up in a single-parent home, but was supported by strong family values, so I never actually felt held back by being in a "broken home". I first began playing basketball when I was about 4 years old, mostly outside at a park near my Grandmother's house with my brother’s cousins and uncles. Veterans Park would then begin to shape my love and competitive nature for the game I would later bleed and cry for. I have 6 siblings 2 of which I grew up with, being in the same home and having the same interest we would propel each other to be better at whatever sport it was we decided to play. We were very active especially with the luxury of having an entire park equipped with fields, courts, and a skate park. My mom joined the military when I was in the 5th grade in light of giving us a better future, she left us in the care of our grandmother, her mother. After a few years of deployment, she was stationed in VA where we would spend most of our adolescent lives. Having no friends or extended family I resorted back to what I knew best, which was sports. Living in VA I tried opening as many doors as I possibly could. By my senior year, I was playing five sports, but as I realized my hoop dreams were actually more achievable than I imagined I began to focus. Not playing AAU travel ball my career took a slight hit but I was not waivered. I attended a few exposure camps and was able to land an offer at my alma mater Averett University. Although I was at Averett for basketball I would find my way on to the soccer team. Being a two-sport athlete proved to be very tough but I was able to stick it out and overcome what not many collegiate athletes are able to achieve. I was able to gain a lot of individual success and hone my skills and instinct not only as a basketball player but as a competitor. Here I was a 2x all-conference honorable mention, 1x first team all-conference, runner-up for player of the year, 1x Averett Athlete of the year, 4th leading scorer in school history. Little did I know the true test has yet to come. I am now 2 years removed from school with only a year of pro basketball under my belt. These past few years have shown the resilience and persistence God has blessed me with on this journey to the NBA. Although I am not where I want to be I am certainly on the right path. I currently reside in southern California, playing semi-pro basketball for the OC Novastars, of the ABA. I also train and sharpen my skills with, one of the best trainers in SoCal and maybe even all of California, Jason Wright of JW basketball. I have been blessed to be put in a situation where exposure to the NBA and other leagues are at an all time high, constantly training with other pros, bettering myself as a ballplayer on and off the court, and playing against some of the best athletes in the world at the prestigious Drew League this summer. This summer will prove to be the biggest test that God has given to me. In order to achieve my goal to play at the highest level ill need not just to survive the summer but conquer it and I know I’m fully equipped to do just that.