“Looked at Me Like I Was Dumb”: Despite Stint With Magic Johnson, Cheating Scandal Changed Course of 1999’s Failed NBA Prospect

Navigating through the fame that the sports industry provides is always a formidable challenge. Schea Cotton, who had the opportunity to play alongside some of the NBA’s top talents, found himself in the limelight for his exceptional basketball prowess. He realized this unique set of skills he possessed when he set out to prove himself to Magic Johnson. In his short stint with the NBA’s greatest, strived to beat Grant Hill and prove to Magic that he was one to watch out for. However, soon after, things weren’t meant to be for the former Alabama Crimson Tide star.

Athletes often experience pressure and a sense of being overwhelmed as they strive to find their footing. With a watchful public eye dissecting their every move, the weight of every mistake can have a significant impact on their career. In the most recent episode of the All The Smoke podcast, the high school basketball legend openly shared his journey.

Schea Cotton talks about the cheating scandal

His remarkable skills positioned him as one of the most promising players, with a bright and successful NBA future ahead. Nevertheless, handling immense fame at the tender age of 16, while facing constant scrutiny from established stars, proved to be a significant challenge. Despite giving his all on the court, he grappled with several issues and injuries that hindered his progress.

During the conversation, host Stephen Jackson asked about cheating allegations that tarnished his career. Following his shoulder injury sustained during an impressive 35-point, seven-dunk performance in an AAU game against Lamar Odom, he missed his senior year. Cotton ultimately signed with UCLA, but the NCAA declared his SAT score invalid.

Recalling the incident, Cotton said, “Everything was all good. Went to UCLA… One of my Proctors came and handed me a newspaper, ‘NCAA invalidates Cotton’s SAT’ score out the blue.”

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He added, “Everybody looked at me like I was dumb. Like I did something that I wasn’t supposed to be doing. ‘Oh that’s good for him see, that’s what he gets.’ Like I said, you build him up to do what? To tear him down. They praise you for a little while but as long as you don’t succeed for too long, the hate gonna come, so it’s how you deal with it.”

He further went on to explain how he didn’t cheat on the SATs but somehow found himself in the wrong. Not only did Cotton experience early fame, but he also faced the challenges typical of elite players, which may have been overwhelming at such a young age. Now, at 45, he finds fulfillment in mentoring young athletes through his ManChild league, a 12U team. Despite narrowly missing his dream of entering the NBA, he earned the nickname “ManChild” for his remarkable prowess on the court. 

Schea Cotton’s encounter with Magic Johnson and Grant Hill

During the same interview, Cotton shared a captivating anecdote about playing alongside Johnson during his UCLA days. He vividly recounted when Johnson passed him the ball, setting the stage for a thrilling race with Hill. Cotton’s lightning-quick move and thunderous dunk underscored his potential to excel in the league had he been given the opportunity.

Outshining Hill in front of the 5x NBA champion was a significant achievement for the then-15-year-old. It helped him realize his unique abilities and immense potential within him. Though his NBA dream may have eluded him, Cotton’s journey inspires aspiring athletes and basketball enthusiasts alike.

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