Silas Adheke has worked way into men's basketball lineup

For the first 19 games, Silas Adheke was not sure what his role may end up eing with the Eastern Florida State College men's basketball team.

Adheke, a transfer from the University of Evansville, started the first two games of the season and then found himself coming off the bench for the next two months playing anywhere from seven to 20 minutes a game.

"My mom texts me after every game and she would say she wasn't going to pat me on the back. You don't get minutes, that's up to you. Work harder," Adheke said after practice as the Titans prepare to play in the NJCAA National Championship Tournament next week in Hutchinson, Kansas. 

That is exactly what Adheke did and got his chance to start again Jan. 13 against Florida State College at Jacksonville and responded with 10 points and nine rebounds. He has started every game since, averaging 8.9 points and seven rebounds in the 12 starts. 

"That has always been my motto, work as hard as I can every day. Whether I am on the reserve team, practice team or starting team I have to get better and make my teammates get better so that was my motivation," Adheke said. "Coach saw how hard I was working and gave me the opportunity and I rose up to the challenge."

Adheke has worked hard to stay in the starting five and helped the Titans come back to win the Mid-Florida Conference championship and advance to the state tournament.

Now he and the rest of the Titans will play for a national championship next week in Hutchinson, Kansas.

"The guys have told me it was going to be one of the best experiences I will have in college. The environment, the fans and atmosphere is incredible and I am excited to have this opportunity," Adheke said. "I plan to play as hard as I can and help bring home a national championship with my team and coaching staff."