Stop. Rewind. Take another look.

The man behind the jersey might just surprise you. Behind the Walmart-greeter smile, the tennis-shoe style, and the Rock-Dwayne Johnson shape, Joshua Brannon possesses humility and grace as he attacks every day head on with the presence of his family and God sitting on his shoulders.

While most athletically gifted young men dream of growing up to be a sports superstar, stardom was and is still at the back of Brannon’s mind. While he left his family behind in Houston, TX to earn his college degree, family has and will continue to come first for Brannon.

“When it comes to the choice between my dreams and my family the choice is easy, family. At the end of the day my dreams mean a lot to me, but family is everything and nothing can replace it.”

As a strong foundation, Brannon’s family taught him the value of hard work, determination, and education. Both of his parents work in the educational system. So, while Josh dominated the court, his grades were always a priority.

Dominic Broussard, one of Brannon’s closest and dearest friends, said, “He was raised right. Both Mr. and Mrs. Brannon instilled good morals in all their children. Since college, Josh has become a lot closer with God and that allows him to be there for everyone without cracking or giving in to hard situations. He has a lot on his plate but he’s the only one I know that can balance all of those through the site of God.”

So why would this family-oriented man travel so far from home? Simple, education. While basketball may have brought Brannon to Rockhurst, the educational opportunities sealed the deal.

“Both my parents being educators made me understand the value of an education. Both my parents worked hard to provide for us and at a young age I understood nothing was free and was aware of the sacrifices they made to provide for my siblings and me. I wanted to model myself after them the best I could.”

Brannon being family centered is not an anomaly. In fact, Leslie Brannon, Brannon’s oldest sister struggled the most with his decision to move nearly 743 miles away.

“Josh moving away was the hardest on me. As the oldest girl, I took care of him a lot and guided him the best I could. So knowing that by him moving away I would not be able to do that made me cry. With so many schools in Texas, I did not understand why he could not find a school closer to home. In the end, as Josh remains strong in his faith so do I. I just prayed for strength and understanding, and know that God was helping Josh to make the right choices.”

Brannon did not make the decision without doing his research either.

“I had 12 full ride scholarships and a few of them would have allowed me to stay in Texas, but I did my research and felt that Rockhurst would challenge me athletically and academically.”

Once Brannon completes his education, however, he does see himself moving closer to home.

“I see myself moving home to Houston. Although now that I may have the opportunity to play overseas I know Houston may have to wait, but in the long run I would want to start a family of my own in my city and stay there.”

Ultimately, with strong support from his family and friend, Brannon continues to strive towards his future and enhance his commitment to his family. With work ethic, persistence, and family on his mind this college athlete never drops the ball.