"I've been blessed"

Former Belmont Abbey student finds success as a personal coach for NBA stars

Note: This interview took place in February 2022

Former Belmont Abbey student finds success as a personal coach for NBA stars

Devon Bandison used to run up and down the Wheeler Center basketball court more than 30 years ago. The New York-born player took a chance and went south to play basketball for a couple of years.

But his love of basketball translated into a professional counseling career, offering advice and helping pro basketball players in the NBA. It's common to see Banidson flying across the country to talk to players. 

"I've been blessed to have a successful career as one of the most sought-after personal and business coaches in the world," Bandison said. "I work with top leaders in all industries and do a lot of work in professional sports. My template for rapid growth and success was similar to the one that made me a good ball player. 

It's funny how Bandison's road to success had a pit stop in Belmont, N.C. But, rather than a pitstop, it was more like a stepping stone to greatness.

Moving to N.C. and going to the MAWWL

In high school, the New Yorker played in one of the top leagues in the nation, the Catholic High School League. He wanted to keep playing basketball in college, and Belmont Abbey College offered him the opportunity. 

For many, heading to North Carolina would be a drastic, life-changing event. But for Bandison, the transition was easier than he thought.

Granted, it didn't come without some culture shock. The New Yorker remembers heading out with friends on the weekend Charlotte shopping trips. Those times were among his first campus experiences.

"I remember that people spoke with a different accent, so when I was invited to the mall, I didn't understand what they were referring to," Bandison said. "Because the place they were referring to is pronounced MAAWL in New York, so that was a bit of a culture shock."

Once he got over that shock, getting used to the friendliness of strangers was next. When strangers said hello to the northern kid, he said it was "foreign." New York folks have a different demeanor, of course.

"Strangers don't just say hi," he related.    

But he warmed up to the southern hospitality and fell in love with it. With it, Bandison remembers hanging out with teammates and classmates off-campus. Sundays were filled with meals often "cooked from scratch," going to church, and getting welcomed as part of a larger Abbey family.

His roommate and basketball teammate, Jake Robinson, became a close friend and family member.

"His family was my family," Bandison recalled. "And there were so many others I can't mention who took this NYC kid under their wing and treated me like family." 

Bandison said he played with a talented group of Robinson, Richard Loftis, Bryant Snyder, Kevin Willingham, and Bandison. Bandison said the group used to call themselves the Fab 5, after the Michigan team from the 1990s. This group of Abbey ballers went 12-18 in 1991-1992, 12-16 in 1992-1993, and 7-19 in 1993-1994.

"We had a swag coming in that year, but the team vets were set on making us earn everything," Bandison said. "The seniors were guys like the prototype point guard Brett Walters, tough Mike Herran, and others. It was a battle every day and so much fun." 

Abbey beneficial off the court

Off the court, Bandison said he benefited from his time at the Abbey, its mission, and values.

"The Abbey was a place where the people I attended with were family, and it helped to have that support when struck with adversity," he said. 

In the 90s, the Abbey landed some top music/comedy talent before they hit the big time. (Doug Stanhope, Jennifer Nettles to name a few.) 

He remembers a small-time comedian Dave Chappelle coming to the Abbey for an "epic" performance. 

Bandison left the Abbey to finish his bachelor's degree at Stony Brook University. Soon after, he completed his Master's Degree in Public Administration at the Metropolitan College of New York. He started his pro career, working with "at hope" youth while developing first-time fatherhood programs in NYC. There, he worked with mental, emotional, and behavioral support programs that garnered national recognition. 

But he still gives props to his former North Carolina school.

"The Abbey helped pave the way for me to be committed to a mission in knowing it wasn't all about me. It's about the impact you make on others."

Bandison applauded his former school for its efforts during Black History month, saying he loved "the Abbey for celebrating" it. (In 2022, the school had several students read speeches by Martin Luther King and others. It also featured the Basilica’s baptismal font. The school has yet to show much interest in celebrating the month in 2023.)

As for the future, Bandison has an excellent suggestion for Abbey's Black History Month celebrations.

"My suggestion would be to incorporate celebration, recognition, and honoring of the black community all year around. The contributions of Black Americans are not to be minimized to a month because our contributions are seen throughout every fabric of human history. From the beginning of time, we need to recognize the contributions of our Black Kings, Queens, Sisters, and Brothers. Once that dialogue becomes common, a more inclusive world will emerge."