Is VINCE CARTER The Next Michael Jordan? - Toronto Raptors basketball player

Ebony, April, 2000 by Kevin Chappell

Carter plans to return to college this summer to finish his final class and receive his degree in African-American studies. He and his mother will have it no other way. "She always tells me to stay focused in everything that I do," he says. "I talk to my parents a lot. We are really dose. I made a promise that I would go back to school to finish my education, and that's what I intend to do."

In a league in which brashness has sometimes cast a shadow on the sport, Carter is considered one of the NBA's "good guys." Last year, he received $10,000 for winning the NBA Sportsmanship Award. He donated the money to his high school basketball team and marching band.

Even when asked about being overlooked for the 2002 U.S. Olympic basketball team, he is diplomatic in his response. "That's over for me," he says. "I didn't make it. I'll have another chance in four years. It would have been a great opportunity, but it gives me a chance to grow and get better. Hopefully, in four years, there will be not doubt."

With dunks, dreams, determination --and soon a degree--Carter has left no doubt that it is possible for a man to not only defy gravity, but also remain grounded.

All at the same time.