College hoops season is upon us. Amidst the chaos of opening day, one story may have slid under the radar. The story of one young girl’s potential breakthrough moment in the sport. In fact it may have just gone so unnoticed that her own father has failed to recognize it just yet.

Shelomi Sanders, the youngest daughter of Deion Sanders, has had her fair share of ups and downs on the hardwood. The name on the back of the jersey weighs heavy, after all. However, Shelomi began the 24/25 season on a roll as she put up 14 points in merely 10 minutes off the bench, including 2 steals and a block, en route to her new team, Alabama A&M, blasting Oakwood University by 96-50. Mother Pilar took to social media to show her pride and shower affection, while Deion stayed close-lipped.

Pilar Sanders posted a montage on her Instagram, with the caption saying “AND YEP JUST LIKE THAT! THE BABY OF THE BUNCH EMERGES! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ It’s basketball season ya’ll!!! CONGRATULATIONS TO MY @aamuwbb FOR THEIR LANDSLIDE WIN 96 – 50 AND TO MY BABY GURRRL @shelomisanders FOR A GREAT START TO WHAT WE’VE ALL BEEN READY FOR!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 GREAT GAME  #ladybulldogs #proudmom #basketballmom” Prime hadn’t acknowledged the feat in public, on the back of some friction when his youngest chose to ward off his advice.

Shelomi was a part of the Colorado Buffaloes’ basketball program last season before her decision to enter the transfer portal, much to the dismay of her father. “It was stupid,” said Deion quite bluntly. Shelomi, too, had moved over to Boulder along with her father and brothers from Jackson State. She now finds herself separate from her siblings in faraway Alabama, without her father casting a shadow on her.

Deion’s ability to keep his children close and bring success continues to work on the gridiron.   Whether his daughter’s decision to enter the portal would prove to be the correct one, time will tell. However, 10 mins were plenty to surpass Shelomi’s entire tenure in Colorado.

Why did Shelomi move on from Colorado?

Shelomi didn’t mince words on an IG livestream when talking about leaving the Buffs. “I don’t want to say anything too bad. It just wasn’t good energy. It wasn’t good vibes. There wasn’t enough being poured into me as a player and young lady. If I didn’t leave when I did, I promise you I would’ve quit.” 

She played 11 minutes in five games last season for the Buffs. Clearly, her career was on the cusp of stagnation. A move to Alabama A&M has breathed life into her young career. Seeing his daughter shine in her debut will have gone some way to thwart any prejudices that Deion had with her move. 

Whether or not he makes a public-facing comment, Deion Sanders will continue to be a stand-up figure for his children. As Shelomi continues to carve her own path down south, Coach Prime and his sons prepare to travel to nearby Texas to take on Texas Tech in Week 11. November promises to be a huge month for the Sanders’, and Shelomi has begun proceedings with pomp.