Written by: Rontay Dunbar & Eusebio Refuse
Bakir Cleveland is a 6’5 guard from Newark N.J. Who attended University High School. Throughout his two seasons at Lincoln University, Cleveland averages 10.2 points per game & is shooting 70% from the free throw line. In his two years, Cleveland helped the Lincoln Men’s basketball team head to their first CIAA championship. Even though they didn’t accomplish what they really wanted, Cleveland is having an amazing career at Lincoln thus far with more to accomplish. He won the All-Rookie team award in the 2021-2022 season and helped lead Lincoln Men’s basketball to their first-ever two championship game.
Outside of basketball, Cleveland majors in human services, and plans to use his degree to advocate for children. His daily schedule consists of going to class, study hall & team workouts, all while finding time for himself in the process. During his free time, he enjoys playing video games and listening to music. Cleveland is aware that younger people look up to him, so it motivates him to keep going in life. During the season, two key factors that keep him successful are time management and patience. In playing any sport, patience is very important since everything is a process. One of the main challenges Cleveland faces in basketball is injuries. Being injured is the worst part of any sport. He gives credit to his family for the way he overcomes adversity, stating how they always told him to stay focused and to stay on the grind.
