SENIOR SALUTE: De'Monte Buckingham

GREENSBORO, N.C. – De’Monte Buckingham takes the floor with a deeper purpose each time he glances at the inked inspiration “Do It For 4 G” on his left hand.

It’s also a hashtag whenever he tweets.

The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) graduate student understands how lucky he is to play the game he loves. A Richmond, Virginia native, Buckingham has played with a heavy heart throughout his collegiate career. 

“I play for my family,” Buckingham said. “I go out there and always play for one of my best friends who was killed when I was in high school. I dedicate every game to him, and I go as hard as I can for him because I know he would be proud of me.”

It’s still hard for Buckingham to discuss the day his friend, Gary Ellis, lost his life. Buckingham was with Ellis that morning. Ellis was an 18-year-old senior at Henrico (Va.) High School. 

“It was a hard journey to go through when it happened, but I am just trying to stay positive and push myself because I know he would want me to,” Buckingham said. “I try to carry on his legacy. If I know I am not doing the right stuff or not playing the way I need to play, I look down at my hand, and I say this is who I am doing it for, and I have to make it happen.”

During a memorable five-year career that has spanned Richmond, CSU-Bakersfield, and UNCG, Buckingham has made plenty happen. His impressive college career is ending. Buckingham already has his undergraduate degree in communications. He is pursuing a degree in African American Diaspora studies.

Ellis would be proud of all of Buckingham’s accomplishments. 

Buckingham lights up when thinking of his friend’s personality.

“He was a down-to-earth kid,” Buckingham said. “He’s a person you always wanted to be around and who would put you in a good mood. If you’re down, he’s going to make sure you’re smiling. He wanted to make sure everybody was happy. He loved shooting threes. He had one of the best jumpers I’ve ever seen, so I always try to make my game like his. We used to always play jump-shooting games when we were at Henrico High School together.” 

Buckingham will be feted for his career accomplishments and contributions to the UNCG program on Sunday afternoon when UNCG hosts East Tennessee State at 4 p.m. in a game televised nationally on CBS Sports Network. UNCG will recognize Buckingham, Kaleb Hunter, Mohammed Abdulsalam, and Khyre Thompson before the start of the game.

“Being able to be out on the floor every single game has been a blessing,” Buckingham said. “All of the teammates that I have played with have been fun. I have learned different things from them and I have built friendships and close bonds throughout my whole time in college. It’s been a great process going through all my college years.” 

Buckingham’s parents, Monica and Nicholas Sr., have helped to keep him grounded throughout his hoops journey. His older brother, Dazmond, placed a ball in Buckingham’s hands when he was 4 or 5 years old. They played all the time in the driveway. And Buckingham hasn’t stopped playing. 

“My family did what they had to do for me and my two brothers,” Buckingham said. “They were always dedicated and pushing us. They were never negative toward things we wanted to do, and they were always teaching us life lessons. 

“They told me to always be 110 percent in and go hard no matter what. They preached to me growing up to always thank God for my family. I thank them every day because they’ve been a big part of my basketball life and process.”

Known for his tenacious, on-the-ball defense, Buckingham has competed with poise, character, and heart during his career. He has been a revelation for the Spartans. 

Buckingham had an impressive debut when he tied his career-high with 28 points in a come-from-behind victory over North Carolina A&T to start the season. He scored the eventual game-winning baskets in UNCG’s first two games, including Northern Kentucky, to secure a 70-69 overtime victory. 

Later in the season, he enjoyed a halfcourt bank shot that beat the halftime buzzer against ETSU. That shot was the centerpiece of his 25-point performance that evening in Johnson City. In addition to posting two double-doubles, Buckingham leads the Spartans in scoring (12.4 points) and rebounding (6.3).

First-year UNCG head coach Mike Jones has appreciated his nightly front-row seat of watching Buckingham’s brilliance.

“He’s a journeyman, and he’s been around a little bit,” Jones said. “By the grace of God, after recruiting him three times, I finally got a chance to coach him. I told him the other day what a joy to coach and be around him every day. The passion and energy he brings to our team, along with the intangibles and leadership stuff he brings is a blessing. It’s been a fun year, and I am grateful he’s part of our program.”

Buckingham has treated each moment on the basketball court as a gift. 

He also wants to make sure he inspires the next generation. Buckingham’s face sparkled when asked what he would say to young people.

SoCon Tournament

• For information regarding the 2022 Ingles Southern Conference Men's and Women's Basketball Championships at Harrah's Cherokee Center – Asheville in Asheville, N.C., which will run from March 3-7, please visit: www.soconhoops.com. If you would like to purchase tickets, please contact the UNCG Ticket Office at 336-334-3250.