In finishing degree, Nelson moves Martelli ‘to tears’

When Jameer Nelson left Saint Joseph’s University in 2004, he did so as the men’s basketball leader in career points, assists and steals.

One thing the Chester native and 2000 Daily Times boys basketball Player of the Year did not have, though, was a degree.

After 14 years about to change. in the NBA, that is

Nelson will be one of the 2,200 graduates when Saint Joseph’s holds its 167th commencement exercises on May 19. Nelson will receive his Bachelor of Science degree in sociology during the undergraduate ceremony, which begins at 9 a.m.

“Saint Joseph’s has been a big part of my life since I was recruited to play here,” Nelson said in a statement released by the school. “It was important to me to finish work on my degree and set an example for my own children and young student athletes who look up to me.”

Nelson, the 2017 Daily Times Sports Figure of the Year, was the consensus national Player of the Year as a senior. He guided the Hawks to a 27-0 record in the regular season and a run to the Elite Eight.

He began work to complete his degree in the summer of 2016. He earned credits online while playing for the Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans and Detroit Pistons.

“Jameer has, once again, moved me to tears,” Saint Joseph’s coach Phil Martelli said.

“His drive and determination to become a graduate of SJU is extraordinary, but pales in comparison to the why — for his children, for young people he supports through the Pete and Jameer Nelson Foundation, and as an example to the young guys in the NBA. May 19 will be his greatest accomplishment. I am blessed to have Jameer in my life, and I know that I join an army of Hawks, past and present, in standing to congratulate him on his milestone.”