MANOR, Texas — One of the best basketball players Central Texas has ever produced came home to be honored this week.
Manor Senior High School alum and current NBA rookie guard Jamal Shead was back at his old stomping grounds leading a pep rally and leaving motivation.
"I'm so blessed to be around such great people," Shead said. "This whole school just rallying behind me from day one – it's just been awesome to see."
Shead was named a finalist for Austin American-Statesman Player of the Year after leading Manor to the state tournament for the first time as a junior. He'd rack up accolades before committing to the University of Houston over Texas A&M, SMU and Colorado State.
"It makes me nervous being in front of a lot of people when I don't have a basketball in my hand," Shead said. "I see a lot of people with T-shirts on with my name ... My hands are all jittery. It's really cool."
Shead would go on to become an All-American and the second-winningest player in Houston history, leading the Cougars to four straight NCAA Tournament appearances and two conference titles during his time in H-Town.
In June, Shead was selected 45th overall by the Raptors in the 2024 NBA Draft. He reportedly signed a 3-year contract worth more than $6 million, with the first two years guaranteed. Still, his newfound wealth and notoriety haven't changed the hometown hero.
"[It's] so surreal knowing this many people are behind me," Shead said.