J’Quavious Thurmond Is USCAA Inductee
Jasper County native J’Quavious “Qua” Thurmond was recently inducted into the United States Collegiate Athletic Association (USCAA) Hall of Fame to commemorate his time playing basketball at New Hampshire Technical Institue (NHTI).
Qua graduated from Jasper County High School in 2014. He played on the NHTI Lynx basketball squad from 2016-2020. During that time he was named a USCAA First Team All-American, Conference Player of the Year, and Defensive Player of the Year. His basketball talents led the Lynx to four consecutive national appearances from 2017 to 2020. In his final season as a Lynx they earned a national championship title and he an Associate in Science Degree.
Qua’s college basketball career stats included 81-21 record. In the championship season, he averaged 18.2 points per game, 9.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 2.5 steals. The local athlete was one of four student athletes and two staff members selected for the honor.
Upon receiving the national honor June 1, 2025, Qua’s great aunt Barbara Smith thought her humble hardworking nephew deserved some local recognition as well. So she led a charge to have him recognized by the Jasper County Commission. On Monday evening, the commission did in fact issue a proclamation of commendation in Mr. Thurmond’s honor.
“I have always been extremely proud of J’Quavious and his sister Shekenia,” exclaimed his great aunt. “For a kid with his circumstances, life could have led him somewhere very different.”
Ms. Smith was referring to the fact that Qua lost his mother, Katrina Thurmond Davis, to a health battle when he was young. His aunt noted how his mother always encouraged Qua and his sister to keep going, attend college, and never give up in life—even on her death bed. Years later the kids lost their encouraging and kind stepfather, Joe K. Davis, Jr., as well.
Ms. Smith said that Qua enjoyed his time at NHTI tremendously and the staff there adored him too. He was often asked to model the college’s athletic gear throughout his time there.
Outside of college and basketball, Qua was also employed by the Granite YMCA in Maine where he was the recipient of the organizations Character Award. His model in basketball and life had always been the late Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers as he even wore the #24.
Qua traveled home last week to visit with family and friends before heading back on Sunday to Arizona where he works as a construction supervisor. In addition to launching the proclamation push, his aunt planned him a surprise gathering to honor his accomplishments. The proud aunt sent a collage of photos of her great nephew through the years with her favorite being his prom photo and of course his high school graduation photo.
“I know he’s a grown man at 29 years old, but he’ll always my baby no matter what.”
Ms. Smith noted that Qua has plans on starting a local basketball camp and launching a local scholarship in the future.
