The fact that Tarell Basham has gotten this far is a testament to his work ethic.
He had perfect attendance in high school and was known as a good student, graduating from Franklin County (VA) High School, but chose to go the prep school route, spending a gap year at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia. Upon stepping onto campus in Athens, Ohio, Basham became the first member of his family to ever attend college.
This year, he graduates as one of the most accomplished Bobcats in school history, a career that included a freshman All-American selection in 2013, a defensive player of the year in 2016 and two placements in all-MAC squads (third-team in 2014 and first-team in 2016.