I can think of many reasons a young, talented player in any sport would love to come to the University of South Carolina for a year or two before signing up for a professional draft.

Ask A’ja Wilson to list the distinguished honors she has already received for her college basketball prowess: All American, all everything, surely hall of famer, but best of all, an excellent education.

Life after that enabling college degree? Consider USC’s new director of player development, Marcus Lattimore.

I know that because of his faith and values, he will have a lifetime full of excellent teaching and proud moments of which he cannot even dream.

Things that excellent teachers do routinely have a tremendous influence on their students. He shouldn’t be surprised if, as an old man, he meets some of those he helped who show appreciation that will make him feel like crying.

The State publishes a cross section of the letters we receive from South Carolinians in order to provide a forum for our community and also to allow our community to get a good look at itself, for good or bad. The letters represent the views of the letter writers, not necessarily of The State.