LOS ANGELES — Shaqquan and his sister, Shalexxus, are on opposite ends of their Trojan basketball careers.
Shaqquan is a Red Shirt Junior, who may declare for the NBA draft after this season. Shalexxus is a Freshman, who is recovering from knee surgery.
The Aaron's come from a family where basketball is king. Their father, Carl, played professionally overseas. Their mother, Medinah, was a part of the Cal State San Bernardino women's team. Their older brother, Shaddean, played on scholarship at Div. 1 Mercer.
The siblings were born in Southern California, but their family moved to Washington for three years when they were high school aged.
Shaqquan lit up the varsity scene in Seattle, averaging 19.7 points per game while leading Rainier Beach HS to a Class 3A title. He won Washington Player of the Year in 2013-14 before committing to Louisville. He sat out the 2014-15 season before deciding to transfer to USC.
Shalexxus developed her game during those three years in Washington, before they moved back to L.A. She played her senior year at Martin Luther King High and was named to the CIF Southern Section First Team.
The relationship between the siblings is strengthened by the bond they developed playing basketball as children. Now, they're reunited as Trojans.
Shaqquan has been a coach, mentor and friend to his little sister. He played a pivotal role in her developing into the player she is today.
The pair has high aspirations for the future, not only for themselves, but each other.