Performing on the big stage

By: Justin Lafleur, Lehigh Sports Communications

On and off the basketball court, Kahron Ross has always had a chip on his shoulder.

"From a young age, I was always the youngest and smallest guy on the court," said Ross, who by the middle of his senior season, became the Lehigh and Patriot League career record holder in assists. "I have always played with a chip on my shoulder and have always played with an edge, which I think has helped me over the years become an even better competitor. It's something my parents always instilled in me; always do my best and always give it my all."

It's fitting that Ross is a theatre major at Lehigh because he has certainly performed on the big stage.

"I always dreamed of being on TV and playing Division I," said the Jonesboro, Arkansas native.

Ross was prepared for the big stage as a youngster, by playing top-notch competition.

"My dad always wanted me to play up a level just to make the competition that much tougher," said Kahron. "When I finally got to play with my own age group, it was that much easier."

Ross played his first collegiate game with impressive ease, dishing seven assists in just 18 minutes against nationally-ranked Villanova, who went on to earn a No. 1 NCAA Tournament seed later that season, and win a national championship the following year. Lehigh led the Wildcats in the second half and were within four with four minutes remaining.

Ross' performance was a sign of things to come.

"The guy really played well against Villanova and was instrumental for us having a potential upset opportunity," said Lehigh head coach Brett Reed. "He performed well on what was a big stage against a good opponent who had savvy guards. It was an eye-opener, not an unexpected eye-opener, but an eye-opener that he could perform right off the bat against an excellent, excellent team."

Ross has followed with plenty more strong performances, including the following month when he tallied a school-record 14 assists in Lehigh's triple overtime win at Arizona State.
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"In that moment, Kahron seemed to really not only set the stage, but also step to the forefront, leading his team and making plays," said Reed. "Not only did he distribute, but he also hit the game-tying shot in double overtime. It demonstrates not only his ability to influence a game, but also, his willingness to step up to the moment and be fearless."

Despite starting his career at such a high level, which included Patriot League Rookie of the Year honors, Ross has continued to improve in both the tangible and intangible aspects of the game.

By the middle of this, his senior year, Ross was Lehigh's all-time leader in assists for a game, season and career. He broke the career mark on Dec. 9 vs. Mount St. Mary's. The record is meaningful to Ross because the end result of his assists are made baskets by his teammates.

"I want to be known as the guy who made his teammates better," he said. "A point guard should be that second coach on the court."

After reaching the Patriot League Championship Game in each of the past two years, the Mountain Hawks lost several key pieces, so Ross was asked to take on an even greater leadership role in his senior campaign.

Ross has responded, as has his teammates.

"One of the most impressive things I've seen out of Kahron this year is the fact that our team attitude and team dynamics are strong," said Reed. "We have a foundation of unselfishness and guys who are really pulling for each other. I think that's a testament to the type of mindset and mentality that he's brought, not only to the point guard position, but also as a senior who can set the standard and even push other people to hold that same standard.

"Whenever you have a really good player who's also an unselfish player, you have a chance to see the team resemble him."

Part of Ross' leadership development came this past summer when he took part in the Athletes in Action East Asia tour, an opportunity that was introduced to him by Coach Reed. Past Mountain Hawks have taken part in Athletes in Action tours, including former Lehigh great C.J. McCollum.

"Athletes in Action is an organization based out of Ohio," said Ross. "They take basketball teams overseas to play against professional teams.

"We had Bible study and did community service. It was a chance to become a better man," Ross continued. "On the court, the competition was pretty good. The first team we played was the Shanghai Stars and they were all big, grown men. It was some great competition and it made us better. Mentally and vocally, I became a better player."

For Ross, leading a group of guys who just met was a precursor of what he would be asked to do at Lehigh, since the 2017-18 Mountain Hawks featured so many new faces.

"I believe I've always been a good leader by example, but this year, Coach Reed has really been stressing that I have to be more vocal," said Ross. "Our team is so much better when I am. Being empowered to lead a group of guys I barely knew with Athletes in Action has helped me be more vocal at Lehigh."

The chip on Ross' shoulder extends off the court as well.

"Kahron came in almost with something to prove that he belonged academically," said Reed. "He embraced the challenge, just like he embraces the challenge on the basketball floor. There were a lot of schools he could have gone to that might have been easier for him academically, but I like the fact that he wanted to step up to that challenge."

Ross is leaving quite a legacy at Lehigh. He has been named All-Patriot League every season. He is a school and Patriot League record holder. But perhaps his greatest honor is being named a candidate for the prestigious Senior CLASS Award, an award that focuses on the complete student-athlete and his impact on the four C's – community, classroom, character and competition.

Ross has helped the Mountain Hawks finish near the top of the league each and every season (earning a top three seed in each of his first three seasons with a 35-19 league mark); this year, he hopes to get his team over the top. Lehigh began the league schedule with a 3-7 record, but has reeled off seven straight wins. With a win on his Senior Night Saturday vs. Lafayette, the Mountain Hawks would earn a home game in the Patriot League Quarterfinals for a fourth consecutive season and improve to 22-2 over the past three Februaries.
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It's fitting that Ross' Senior Night on Saturday comes against archrival Lafayette. Earlier this season, Ross became the first player in school history to go 4-0 at Lafayette in a career. He enters Saturday 6-1 against the Leopards in his career.

"Kahron will be well regarded as one of the top players in Lehigh Basketball history," said Reed. "I believe he is writing his legacy right now as a senior, since this most closely resembles 'his team.'

"Kahron has put his hand on the undercurrent of this team, which is really important for our program as we head in a positive and hopefully lasting path towards present and future success."

While Ross is leaving the Lehigh program in a better place, Lehigh has also made a lasting impact on Kahron.

"It's been a long journey, but at the same time, it flew by," he said. "I remember as a freshman, getting here on campus and just being in awe thinking I can't believe I'm 18 hours from home. Over the years, I grew into a man and Lehigh really helped me make that transition."

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Lehigh University Athletics

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Players Mentioned

Kahron Ross

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