Lewayne Grant is a 6 foot Point Guard from Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
He recently won a BigV Championship/Finals MVP with The Craigieburn Eagles and has played basketball across a number of countries including; Israel, Luxembourg, Montenegro, North Macedonia, USA and Australia.
Learn more about Lewayne’s story below:
In 50 words or less, introduce yourself:
My name is Lewayne Grant, I’m 27 years of age and I’m from Ft. Lauderdale Florida by way of Lincoln Park. I consider myself a servant leader as my goal in life is to inspire all I encounter with positivity and the mindset of truly believing they can achieve anything they desire.
What was life like growing up in Florida?
Growing up in Lincoln was extremely unique, my environment was very challenging and treacherous but ultimately it equipped me with the tools necessary for building the courage to endure such a journey I’ve taken on in life. Even with witnessing many traumatic events, I truly would choose to grow up in the same projects if given the choice. The fun, joy and laughter my friends and I shared as adolescents are memories I’ll forever cherish and I’m thankful to still be in pure contact with a few of my sandbox brothers.
Tell us about your experience as a college athlete with the Sonoma State Seawolves:
As a mature adult I can say that my experience at Sonoma State was what I needed it to be at that stage of my growth/maturity level. I had lots of fun, met some lifetime friends and had the college experience I yearned as a young kid growing up in the projects. In terms of basketball, I feel I could’ve been a lot better. Oftentimes I was hesitant and didn’t have the most confidence in my game. Ultimately I was still impactful but I know I could’ve been much better statistically.
How did you come to land your first professional basketball contract?
My first contract actually came about during Covid!! I had been released from my job working as a house parent for foster children at a place by the name of Hanna Boys Center which ultimately led to me taking a one way flight to Serbia. Upon arriving in Serbia I was connected with a guy by the name of Vule Mandic who trained me for 3 weeks before connecting me with an opportunity to try out in North Macedonia top league for KK Kumanovo. There was an 8 hour bus ride from Serbia to Macedonia where I met the president of the club at the border for the try out. The try out lasted about seven days before the club decided I deserved a shot and that’s how my professional career began.
What life lessons has basketball taught you along the way?
Basketball has taught me a plethora of lessons about life, a few of the main lessons I’d say would be persistence, adaptability and honing a process driven mindset. Persistence, there’s so many times things seemed as if moving on from the dream of being a pro was my destiny but through a relentless pursuit of chasing what I desired time and time again I’ve found myself in the position to further my career. Adaptability, as I mentioned earlier, my childhood environment was unique so growing up with such experiences while staying focused on the bigger picture through basketball gave me the confidence that I can strive anywhere on Earth given the proper opportunity. P.D.M, many may be unaware but earlier on in my basketball stages I was never “the guy” as I’ve earned the privilege of experiencing to date. I didn’t start on my High School team until my senior year and all through summer ball (AAU) I was a bench warmer. But keeping that process driven mindset kept me in the fight and overtime my work ethic along with patience have allowed me to be where I am to date.
Craigieburn is a team who only recorded 3 wins last season. What impact have you had on this organisation and how did you turn things around to win a championship the very next season?
Genuinely speaking my truth, my experience with Craigieburn this past season was all God’s Plan! Days before having a try out with Craigieburn I was sleeping at the Melbourne airport stuck here with no money and no way home but thankfully Steve Coffee was kind enough to share his home with me which I’ll forever be thankful for. Once getting to Craigie, it was very clear things were already on the up and up before my arrival. They had hired a new coach and had already gotten the likes of Max Viitala and Mark Berezdecky on board who are two phenomenal players. Not only that but they also had a strong core returning lead by Gene Vocale and Brad Hassall so it was safe to say they were cooking up greatness. As for myself, I think I was just the cherry on top and piece they needed to put it all together so I’m truly thankful for those guys allowing me to enter their team/club and give my best efforts toward winning which we accomplished in the highest form.
How did you come to find SRA?
I came to find SRA through a fellow import who plays at Craigieburn for the women’s team in Briana Grey, once season concluded she brought my attention to the SRA/TWD runs held at SBC and mentioned there’s also lifting opportunities available lead by founder of SRA Shaun Atkins. From there I attended a few court sessions and wanted to find time to lift as well so I discussed a timeframe that worked and had my first session at SRA which was outstanding.
What do you enjoy most about training with SRA?
What I enjoy most about training with SRA is how detail oriented and challenging the sessions are. Shaun is an absolute wizard when it comes to the body and how to build an athlete so I’m thankful that he’s given me the opportunity to consistently improve through his program. Truly looking forward to the work that will be done overtime!!
What’s next in your basketball career?
What’s next for my basketball career is to continue building a profile here in the Australian region. I think this last season was a nice entry/foot in the door for me and from here I plan to elevate as far as God’s Plan has in store for me.