On Wednesday, May 26, 2021, Bensalem senior James Ashford IV was recognized for committing to continue his basketball career at Arcadia University.
James Ashford IV – Arcadia University (Basketball)
Major: Undecided
Final list of colleges: Arcadia, Gwynedd Mercy, Delaware Valley, Bryn Athyn
Reasons for choosing Arcadia: “The coaches really pushed hard to get me - he even came to my practices to watch me practice. He was the only coach that came. He showed me a lot of love, he showed me he wanted me there and told me he wanted me. I know it’s going to be big things at Arcadia.”
What was the progression that led you to competing in basketball at the collegiate level? “I’ve wanted to play college basketball since my freshman year of high school, so I wanted to push harder. I wanted to achieve a goal that should be done and play college basketball.”
Coach Ron Morris says: “James is just a great all-around kid. He’s super respectful, he’s a grinder, he works extremely hard, and he’ll do anything for me as a coach, anything for his teammates. He has a high energy, a high motor, and he just continues to grow basketball-wise and as a person. From day one that he came to us until now, he just always went forward. He never took a step backwards, which doesn’t always happen with teenage kids.
“I’m excited to see him play at Arcadia, and I think it’s a great situation for him and for coach (Adam) Van Zelst. I think they’ll build a good relationship and they’ll feed off each other. Adam and I are similar in many ways, so I think it will mesh well right away for him. I always tell the kid it has to be the right fit. Education is most important. Arcadia has smaller classrooms, which I think will be good for him. It’s a good education, and in basketball, you have to earn it, but you’ll have an opportunity to play right way. You want to go somewhere where you’re wanted. Coach Van Zelst came to a lot of practices. He had James at a bunch of his practices, and that means a lot. You want to be in the best opportunity to make you better. I’m super happy for James that it all worked out for him. He’s excited. He’s been working extremely hard – he works out multiple times a day, he comes back and works out with us. I’m looking forward to going and watching them play this year.
About James:
Favorite food: Spaghetti
Favorite TV show: Chicago Fire
Favorite music: R&B/Lil Baby
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