Chester’s Jameer Nelson will receive his degree from Saint Joseph’s University 14 years after he left to pursue a basketball career, writes Terry Toohey for the Daily Times.

Nelson will be one of the 2,200 graduates at the school’s 167th commencement exercises on Saturday. During the undergraduate ceremony, he will receive his bachelor’s degree in sociology.

“Saint Joseph’s has been a big part of my life,” said Nelson, whose NBA career is winding down, as he played 50 games this season with the New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons. “It was important to me to finish work on my degree and set an example for my own children and young student athletes who look up to me.”

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Nelson left Hawk Hill as the men’s leader in career points, assists, and steals. He was named national Player of the Year as a senior.

He began working to complete his degree in the summer of 2016, earning credits online. Saint Joseph’s coach Phil Martelli said that the player’s determination to finish his education moved him to tears.

“His drive and determination to become a graduate of SJU is extraordinary,” said Martelli.

Read more about Jameer Nelson in the Daily Times by clicking here.

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