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Guard Rakeim Gary arrived at Wallace Community College-Selma as a overlooked college basketball prospect in 2019.

Two years later, Gary leaves with an Associates Degree,  three individual awards, NJCAA All-American honors and a Division I college basketball scholarship.

Gary plans to sign with South Carolina State University on Thursday. The Bulldogs are part of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC).

“It feels great to be recognized now because all of the hard work and time I put in to get where I’m at,” Gary said.

Gary led the Alabama Community College Conference in scoring at 20.5 points a game.  Gary also was named Region 22 co-player of the year and South Division player of the year.

The 5-foot-11 Gary played a big role as WCCS won the South Division and reached the state championship game.

Gary, a NJCAA honorable mention All-American, credits WCCS coach Duane Evans for his development in Selma.

“I thank coach Evans for trusting me and giving me the keys to the team to do great things,” Gary said.

Evans enjoyed watching Gary evolve into a stellar player over the last two seasons.

“Rakeim Gary didn’t have a scholarship offer coming out of high school,” Evans said. “For Rakeim to get that opportunity is a tribute to his hard work.”

Gary said the foundation for future success was laid at home and Oak Cliff High School in Dallas, Texas.

“I want to thank my dad and brother for knowing this dream of playing Division I basketball could come true,” Gary said. “I want to thank my momma for pushing me and keeping me on top of my school work.

“The greatness started at Oak Cliff Faith where I won a state title with coach Pete Quinn.”

When no colleges offered Gary coming out of high school, he kept working toward his dream. “When I was getting overlooked I never complained about anything, I just worked everyday until my name was noticed,” Gary said.

Gary plans to continue his work ethic at South Carolina State. “I have a lot more work to do and a lot more things to accomplish,” Gary said. “I’m just grateful I can do that at the next level I always dreamed of playing in.”