Ralph Temgoua ’12 started playing basketball at age 10 because he “wanted to be tall,” he says.  He has come a long way, but now standing at 6’4”, his height is dwarfed by his recent accomplishments.

The economics major and co-captain of the Saints men’s basketball team from Paris, France, has been named an NCAA Division III Third Team All-American, Regional First Team All-American and Liberty League Player of the Year.  His accomplishments earned him a spot in the 2012 National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Division III Senior All-Star Game.

Despite the accolades, Ralph says his favorite part of his senior season was the opening game in which St. Lawrence upset nationally-ranked Oswego State, 66-62. 

“It was a great start to the last season of my SLU career,” he says.  The win showed him and his teammates how well they worked together, he explains. At point guard, it was his job to make adjustments for plays to help the team be successful.  “You have to know what everyone can and can’t do,” he says.

One of Ralph’s favorite things about St. Lawrence is the atmosphere. “I’ll miss being able to say hi to people all day,” he says.  He has enjoyed the chance to explore several subjects and topics through various classes.  He has taken several art courses and says his favorite was West African Arts.  “I really like the arts and music,” he explains.

After graduation, Ralph hopes to travel while playing professional basketball.  He says he’ll carry with him the friendships from his teammates at St. Lawrence and those he’ll develop on future teams. “I love getting to meet people,” he says, “and that’s why I’ve loved my time at St. Lawrence.”

-Annalise Grueter ’12