South Side grad A.J. Merriweather drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters

Basketball has always been important to A.J. Merriweather, and Merriweather has figured out a way to excel on the basketball court on every level he has played.

On Tuesday, the South Side and East Tennessee State University graduate got the opportunity to play on the next level as he was one of six players drafted by the Harlem Globetrotters.

"I went to Belize this past summer on a mission trip, and one of the coaches there knew [South Side head] Coach [DaMonn] Fuller and my college coach, so we kept in touch," Merriweather said. "When I went to the dunk contest, that opened a lot of doors. A couple weeks after the dunk contest, their coach called me, and we stayed in touch."

Merriweather is among other top athletes that were drafted by the Globetrotters this year, including Georgetown graduate Rodney Pryor, who beat Merriweather at the 2017 College Dunk Contest; 2007 Heisman Trophy Winner Tim Tebow; New York Yankee rookie Aaron Judge; Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot; and Iowa State graduate Naz Mitrou-Long.

"They draft people that they think will do a good job being a Globetrotter, and then they will hold a tryout and workout in August," Merriweather said.

During high school, Merriweather helped lead South Side to the Class AA semifinal in 2013, while being named the All-West Tennessee Player of the Year and a Class AA Mr. Basketball finalist.

After high school, he played four years at East Tennessee State and helped the Buccaneers to the Southern Conference Championship this past season and a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

"Anytime I can bounce the ball and use my God-given ability, it is a blessing," Merriweather said. "I get a joy at the games of little kids running up to me and asking for my autograph. I didn't want to misuse my influence."

Merriweather does get to continue basketball, but he knows this isn't about making a living.

"I told my teammates my senior year that it is not about the money because I got a good degree, so I will be alright in the long run," Merriweather said. "It is about a love of the game, and with my personality, I think the Globetrotters will be a great fit. I had a couple other options, but the Globetrotters were the best option."

The Globetrotters' tour begins on Christmas Day, and it will be a minimum of a six-month commitment. Merriweather will travel with the team, but he won't have to relocate.

"When I was a little kid, I used to watch Willie Kemp and Wayne Chism in the high school game, along with the Liberty guys," Merriweather said. "Who has more fun than the Harlem Globetrotters?"

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.