Larry Stewart has done a lot with his life.
And he?s done it all without a college degree. Now at 37, Stewart has come back to Coppin State University to complete the requirements for his liberal arts degree.
“I will be able to walk (with the graduates) next May,” Stewart said Tuesday from Stew?s Philly Style Steaks, his Philadelphia-style sub shop on Windsor Mill Road. “I finish next Friday.”
After five seasons in the NBA (with Washington and Seattle) and 10 more overseas, Stewart is wrapping up an elective credit class in human resources. Finding time to get the degree hasn?t been easy, but he knew all along he wanted to finish what he started.
“My wife has been in my head for the past couple years,” Stewart said of his motivation. “Until then, I always had a bunch of excuses.”
“I was the first son in my (immediate) family to go to college, but I?ll be the last to graduate,” said Stewart, a Philadelphia native whose younger brother Stephen is currently an assistant basketball coach at the University of Delaware.
Stewart?s wife, Toi, has a criminal justice degree from Coppin State. He credits her with allowing him to continue his basketball career overseas with a clear conscience.
“In the beginning it was very tough, but I have a strong wife with a strong family, so I always felt comfortable leaving,” Stewart said.
Stewart is continuing his career in Europe with Panellinious of the Greek League, but says next season will be his last. He?s expressed an interest in coaching.
“I came from nowhere, and I feel I have something I can express to the kids,” Stewart said. “I have something to bring to the table.”
THE STEWART FILE
Age: 37
Height: 6-foot-8
Position: Forward
Did you know? Stewart averaged 7.4 points per game throughout his five seasons in the NBA ? Stewart is the second leading scorer in Coppin State history, averaging 20 points per game over his career ? He led the Eagles to the program?s first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1990 ? The Stewarts have three children ? daughters Lexis, 12, and Laryn, 9, and son Tai, 4.
