Photo courtesy of Kamran Malik.
Justin Taylor, junior shooting guard at the University of Tampa, averaged 10 points per game during the 2025–26 season. Even after fracturing his hand and ankle, Justin Taylor is still making shots. He recorded a season-high 22 points against Embry-Riddle, continuing to produce despite adversity.
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By Jaide Edwards
TAMPA, Fla. — Justin Taylor seems calm on the court. The junior guard plays with a quiet confidence that never gives up, whether he’s spreading the floor, making shots or fighting for rebounds. However, it took years of failures, changes, and faith to develop that steadiness.
Taylor, who is currently majoring in finance at the University of Tampa, has three distinctive qualities that have defined his story: his ability to remain composed under pressure, his fortitude in the face of hardship, and his team-first mentality. In addition to helping him navigate what he refers to as a “rocky journey,” each of these traits has shaped the way he currently interacts with others and plays the game.
“I first fell in love with basketball at a very young age,” said Taylor. “My family has always loved the game.”
Taylor grew up around basketball, so it wasn’t just something he learned. His elder relatives, whom he looked up to “like big brothers,” competed at Virginia Tech, and his father was a collegiate athlete. The dream felt genuine when he saw them.
“They were just so cool to me,” said Taylor. “Everything they did was cool. I wanted to be doing what they were doing.”
When Taylor started playing organized basketball in the fourth or fifth grade, that early inspiration became a reality, but he was soon put to the test by his journey. He was sidelined in middle school due to a fractured hand. Later, in an effort to find the right opportunity and fit, he moved between two Charlotte high schools.
However, his objective remained the same: obtain a scholarship and go to the next level.
Following graduation, Taylor chose an unusual path—a post-graduate year at a military school—due to uncertainty brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the age of eighteen, he developed a closer bond with basketball there.
“That’s when I really knew I loved basketball,” said Taylor. “It became a safe place for me. It gave me a different perspective.”
That viewpoint would be crucial. Before sustaining a stress fracture to his ankle, Taylor played for two seasons at High Point University on a scholarship. Another change was brought about by the accident, this time to a junior college in Kansas.
That kind of interruption can undermine trust in many athletes. It turned into a new chapter for Taylor.
“It’s been a rocky journey, but it’s been a great journey nonetheless,” said Taylor.
He persevered because of his values. Taylor, a self-described man of religion, believes that persistence eventually pays off.
That kind of thinking brought him to Tampa, where he met up with assistant coach Dexter Gooding and head coach Linc Darner, both of whom he knew from High Point. His choice was simple because of the relationship and the setting of the university.
“It was kind of a no-brainer,” said Taylor.
Darner emphasized that Taylor’s presence has made a huge impact on the program.
“He’s a leader,” said Darner. “He leads by example. He’s a very hard-working guy that’s always in the gym trying to get better. He’s what every coach wants in a player.”
Not only is Darner highlighting Taylor’s performance, but Gooding also spoke on their trust and continued commitment to shape their role within the program.
“The foundation of our relationship in trust was able to merge us back here together in Tampa […], each other’s values and determination to be successful is what ultimately helped his decision in coming to play for us here at the University of Tampa,” said Gooding.
Gooding continued, emphasizing how he looks forward to Taylor’s upcoming season, maintaining a productive year.
Taylor switched from point guard to shooting guard this season, showcasing his adaptability in a new position. He is now a scoring option, spacing the floor, shooting and making contributions on the boards, rather than leading the offense.
“I just play off our playmakers and stay ready,” Taylor said.
The difficulties of being a student-athlete have not changed, even while his function has. Taylor acknowledges that one of the most difficult aspects of the experience is maintaining discipline while juggling practices, games and academics.
“The hardest part is definitely time management,” said Taylor. “You have to stay on schedule, even when things throw you off emotionally.”
He is characterized in part by his emotional resilience. Taylor admits to having periods of uncertainty, especially amid injuries and unpredictable changes. However, he was encouraged to keep going by his parents and younger sister.
“When you have that many people confident in you, it’s easier to have confidence in yourself,” said Taylor.
That support goes beyond family at UTampa. According to Taylor, his current team is the most cohesive one he has ever been a part of.
“Everybody has each other’s backs,” said Taylor. “That makes all the difference.”
Taylor’s personality changes off the court. The concentrated competitor transforms into a friendly and laid-back person who likes to joke around, socialize and just enjoy life.
“I’m definitely extroverted,” said Taylor. “I like to talk, crack jokes, go out to eat—I do a lot.”
His teammate Malachi Martis, freshman student, said Taylor’s performance on and off the court brings great energy.
“Justin is just a vibe on and off the court, always bringing positive energy,” said Martis. “instilling confidence within his teammates regardless of the situation.”
One thing never changes: his composure. Taylor takes great satisfaction in maintaining composure, whether he’s playing a game or managing life.
“Nothing is going to faze me,” he said. “I’m always going to have peace, regardless of what’s going on.”
Taylor has set goals for the future. Before using his degree in finance to pursue a career, he wants to play professional basketball for as long as possible. However, he said his legacy is more important than his numbers or honors.
“I want people to remember someone who came in with the right mindset every day,” said Taylor. “Someone who helped others grow.”
In a journey characterized by mobility — across states, schools, and obstacles — Taylor has discovered stability within himself rather than in external circumstances, and that’s what makes him unique, above all else.