Name: Tavares Speaks '11

Job Title: Lending Credit Analyst

Organization: State Employees Credit Union

Tavares Speaks played men's basketball from 2009-2011. During his freshman season he helped guide the Sea Devils to a 23-4 overall record and an 11-1 conference record. During his sophomore stint, Speaks helped lead the Sea Devils to a 26-9 overall record and a 10-2 conference record. During his final season with the Sea Devils he was averaging 18.3 points pers game and led the team in scoring with 622 total points. Speaks also led the team in total time played with 922 minutes, and currently sits in third place on the all time scoring list with 992 points scored.

During his time at CFCC he was a two-time All-Conference selection, Region 10 Player of the Year, First team All-American, two-time Regular Season champion with the Sea Devils and led Cape Fear to an eighth-place finish at the NJCAA National Tournament.

After graduating from CFCC in 2011, Speaks transferred to Liberty University where he majored in Strategic Intelligence and Finance, while also continuing his basketball career. During his junior season at Liberty he appeared in all 32 games, averaged 10.2 points per game and was second on the team with 37 steals. During his senior season, he guided the Liberty Flames to an automatic bid to the NCAA DI tournament. Speaks ranked third on the team in scoring at 13.2 points per game. Following his career at Liberty, Speaks played professional pro A basketball for the VfL Kirchheim Knights in Germany.

Speaks currently resides in his hometown of Raleigh, NC where he works and operates a cleaning service and works as a Lending Credit analyst at State Employees Credit Union. In his free time, he still watches and supports Cape Fear and Liberty University basketball. When asked if he kept up with any former teammates he said "Yes, I speak with David Best, Javah Braswell, Randolph Howell and Dennis Chinekie. Also, Coach Lane and Mantlo from time to time."

"My time at CFCC played a huge part in how I handle adversity, but also how to be a leader. Coach Mantlo and Lane played such a pivotal role in not only my on-court success but becoming a better student and most importantly a better human-being."

What was your most memorable moment looking back at your time at Cape Fear?
"My most memorable moment was during my sophomore year. That team was special, we had guys that fought day after day to compete. And it showed in our results, we advanced further than any team in CFCC history, finishing eighth in the Country."

If you could tell an incoming freshman one thing what would it be?
"Enjoy the moment, let go of any egos, trust the process. But most importantly, grow as a young man (on and off the court) and NEVER lose your hunger!"

What is your biggest accomplishment after leaving Cape Fear? (personal or professional)
"My senior year at Liberty I helped my team secure an automatic bid to the NCAA DI tournament. And also played professionally in Germany Pro A Division."

Courtesy of Breanna Sudano