Mahershala Ali just won his second Best Supporting Actor Oscar for his role in Greenbook, but before reaching the top of the acting world he was a legit DI baller at perennial mid-major contender St. Mary’s College from ’92-’96.
Back then Ali was known by the less cool name of Herschel Gilmore, and was a different kind of role player. He only averaged 3.6 PPG, but played in-your-face D and took the ball to the rack when given the chance. A highlight clip of Ali was posted by the West Coast Conference and it’s definitely “filled with grit,” and “will make you believe again.”
Most Division I athletes go pro in something other than sports.
Worked out pretty well for former @saintmaryshoops guard Mahershala Ali. Congrats on winning a second #Oscars award! #WCChoops pic.twitter.com/UFqGwKEEjd
— TheW.tv (@TheWtv) February 25, 2019