Events
"Jerome Kersey: Overcoming the Odds” Book Signing
Saturday, November 20, 2021
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM
At Willett Hall
Kerry Eggers, author of “Jerome Kersey: Overcoming the Odds” makes his only Virginia appearances in two book signing events on Saturday, November 20 in Farmville, Va. Eggers, along with members of the book team, will sign and sell books and entertain questions.
On November 20, the book team visits Jerome Kersey Court at Longwood University’s Willett Hall in Farmville. Kersey dominated the same hardwood from 1980-1984 before taking off to a 17-year NBA career.
During the book event, Longwood Men’s Basketball hosts a multi-team event. On Saturday afternoon, Western Carolina faces American at 3:30, while the home-standing Lancers meet UMBC at 6:00. The book event starts at 4:30 and finishes at the end of the Longwood-UMBC contest. A game ticket is not required to attend.
Books are for sale in Farmville at Barnes and Noble-Longwood University and the Hotel Weyanoke. “Overcoming the Odds” is published by Dementi Milestone Publishing of Manakin-Sabot Va. and available at www.dementibooks.com. Book proceeds benefit the Jerome Kersey '84 Men's Basketball Scholarship Fund at Longwood.
Book Summary
Raised by his grandparents in rural Mecklenburg County Va., Jerome Kersey earned a basketball scholarship to Longwood College (now Longwood University) as an athletic, but raw 6-4 guard. He sprouted to 6-6 and eventually filled out to a muscular 6-7 225 and a two-time All-American. Playing in the obscurity of NCAA Division II in Farmville, Kersey took advantage of a late cancellation at the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament to showcase his talents to the NBA. He was selected in the second round of the 1984 NBA draft by the Portland Trailblazers where he spent 11 of his 17-year pro career. His basketball talents and fearless determination on the court are just half the story. Kersey touched all with his personal demeanor, smile, and simple principles. He passed away at 52 on February 18, 2015, due to complications from a blood clot and was survived by his wife Teri and his daughter Kiara.