Entering his third year of college basketball, the journey of UTSA men’s basketball junior PJ Carter has been nothing short of inspiring.
Transferring to UTSA from Georgia Highlands Junior College, the guard has been no stranger to adversity throughout his collegiate career. Though his voyage has been one of countless ups and downs, Carter has remained positive through it all and is thrilled to have found a home at UTSA.
“My collegiate journey has definitely been a rollercoaster,” Carter said. “But honestly, I love it here in San Antonio. I think it’s a perfect fit for me.”
Coming out of Langston Hughes High School in Fairburn, Ga., Carter committed to Campbell University with hopes of achieving his lifelong dream of playing Division I basketball. Despite earning player of the year accolades, Carter saw very little playing time in his brief stint with the Camels.
“It’s nothing I would wish on anybody,” Carter said of his experience. “There were a lot of tough days, just from a mental standpoint.”
Faced with adversity, the 6-foot-5 guard continued to work on improving his game, staying another year at Campbell. Though supremely confident in his on-court abilities, Carter became disappointed in his lack of opportunity with the Camels.
“I knew it was going to be a learning curve, that’s why I thought I needed to stay another year,” he said. “It really didn’t go as planned though, I fell out of love with the game. I needed a change.”
Wanting a change of scenery, Carter transferred to Georgia Highlands Junior College. In a symbolic fresh start, he made the most of his opportunity, scoring a team-leading 16 points per game, all while coming off the bench. Leading his team to the championship final, Carter credited the coaching staff for allowing him a great opportunity.
“I had an opportunity, and they allowed me to play my game,” he said. “I got to build my confidence back up and get back to my normal self.”
With his confidence restored, Carter committed to UTSA in the summer of 2022. Eager to get back into the realm of DI competition, the guard spoke glowingly of his reasons for choosing San Antonio as his new home.
“The play style they have here, it felt like a perfect fit for me,” he said. “I wanted to be a part of something special. That’s really why I came here.”
A truly perfect fit, the junior has seemingly done it all for the Roadrunners this season.
Whether providing great energy, scoring in clutch situations or explosive scoring off the bench, Carter has had no trouble adjusting to UTSA’s playstyle. His unselfishness and willingness to win have made him one of the key pieces on this year’s team, as the guard has remained adamant that he will do whatever it takes to win.
“I’m just a whatever the team needs type of guy,” he said. “You know, if y’all want me to come off the bench or be an energy guy, I can do all of those things.”
Despite constant adversity, Carter believes he has found his home at UTSA. The guard has continuously praised the university and the city for its laid-back atmosphere and welcoming energy.
“I love it here,” he said. “It’s more chill, you know. More my speed. I think it’s a perfect fit.”
The Georgia native’s journey has been filled with countless adversities and hardships. Through it all, Carter has remained confident and positive in his abilities and has proven to be a truly inspiring player.
