SANTEE, S.C. — One former high school basketball star from the Midlands will be playing in Columbia during the NCAA Tournament.
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De'Riante Jenkins used to play basketball for the Lake Marion Gators in 2012 and in 2013.
Roy Brown, who coached the guard during his freshman and sophomore year of high school, says having a player a part of the tournament makes this year's tournament more exciting.
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You might remember the former Midlands star who won a state championship back in the 2012-2013 season with the Gators. The team also made a state championship appearance the following season.
He now plays for Virginia Commonwealth University and will play right here in Columbia this Friday on WLTX.
"He can do it all. He's a team player. A role model," explained Brown.
Genie Fogle taught Jenkins when he went to Lake Marion High School.
"With him in Columbia this weekend, I got to do it. I got to make it," she said.
Fogle says early on, she knew Jenkins was a special kind of athlete.
"Not only is he physically gifted and good at skills with basketball, but mentally he just had good command of the game, even as a freshman," explained Fogle.
While Jenkins may live in another state, his former teachers, coaches, and friends are pulling for him to win this weekend.
They hope he'll have success at Colonial Life Area like he's had before.
"Hopefully you get to play Duke in that next game. Get through the first round. We always think about the number one game before we worry about the second one," said Brown.
Fogle wants Jenkins to know the school can’t wait to see him play in the Capital City this weekend.
"We are proud of you. I cannot wait to see you in person,” explained Fogle. “I know there's going to be a lot of friends and family. You're going to have a lot of people in the stands there for you. I'm pulling for you all the way. Go VCU."
Jenkins and VCU will play UCF on WLTX Friday night at 9:40 pm.