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Last Chance U: Basketball brings out the East Los Angeles College ELAC Huskies and their very passionate, full-of-life leader, Coach John Mosley. The Netflix original series follows every struggle and moment of triumph from this junior college basketball team. Among the few names that go by rosters is Deshaun Malik, widely known as Deshaun Highler. Deshaun is the team captain, so his story can be described in two words-resilience and determination. He is such a favorite in the eyes of people all around the world.
From the time the trailer came out, to the premiere episode, Deshaun’s story has captured the attention of the audience. He is not only a talented athlete but also a young man who has experienced great personal losses. Despite all the hardship, he persevered and used it as motivation on the court. His leadership and skill play a pivoting role in the Huskies’ story, making him a central figure in the show.
Ever since Last Chance U: Basketball aired, many have been biting their nails, wanting to know Deshaun’s current status. Was he still chasing his dream of playing basketball, and had he kept shining beyond junior college? These questions just define how connected people feel to his story.
The story of Deshaun Highler is more than a court tale; it’s one of hope, persistence, and the pursuit of greatness. His story resonates with anyone who’s faced adversity and refused to give up. Read on to learn more about where he is now and what the future holds for this inspiring athlete.
Source: Instagram
Deshaun Highler’s Family
Deshaun Highler, or Deshaun Malik as he goes by on social media, was born on March 9, 1998. He is the only son surviving his parents, Tony Highler and Jennifer “Jenny” Lake.
Deshaun lost both of his parents within the same year, forcing him to mature early and fend for himself. His mother Lake passed away on October 18, 2018 of breast cancer.
Deshaun, who grew up in Riverside, California, has shared his memories of basketball with his mother. Watching her son and the Chicago Bulls play were some of her favorite things to do.
Deshaun says on Last Chance U: Basketball that his mother’s diagnosis had been tough. But his mother made him promise he wouldn’t let her death get in the way of his basketball dreams.
Deshaun Highler’s College Career
Deshaun Highler had been drawn to basketball since he was two. He looked up to Allen Iverson and dreamed of becoming a pro like him.
It was mostly him and his mother when he was growing up, and she supported his dreams. She introduced him to a spring league run by “Riverside legend” Marvin Lea when he was 14. Lea would coach Highler through his Team Eleate program.
Highler graduated from John W. North High School in 2016. He was earmarked to play for Lea’s post-graduate program at Carnegie Prep.
Deshaun Highler Played for the ELAC Huskies
Highler went on to play for the University of Texas at El Paso as a walk-on after graduating from high school. He was going to earn a full scholarship, but after his first year, some faculty changes led to his financial aid being denied.
After he moved back to California, his parents had passed away. His mother hadn’t wanted him to give up on his dreams. So, about two weeks after she died, he had enrolled in East Los Angeles College and was playing with the Huskies coached by John Mosley.
Highler quickly became the captain of the team. The coaches relied on him to keep the team together, and the shooting guard’s peers let him lead them.
Also Read: Drew Starkey Wiki: Facts About the Actor Playing Rafe on Netflix’s “Outer Banks”
Source: Instagram
Where Is Deshaun Highler Now?
Highler’s remarkable skills on the court shone during his two seasons at ELAC. Unsurprisingly, Sacramento State scouted him, and he transferred to their program. Highler majors in computer science while playing guard for the Hornets.
Deshaun Highler’s Girlfriend
Highler has been dating a woman named Kiera Lusk since his mother died. They connected through Instagram when Highler slid into her DMs. Lusk reached out to Highler after his mother passed to comfort him. Their relationship started from there.
Kiera Lusk is an entrepreneur with her own businesses. She is the owner and CEO of the haircare line KayKurl LLC and runs a catering business, Kays Kitchen.
