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<h2>AC Carter Reflects on His Journey</h2>
<p>WAIKĪKĪ — Standing on the balcony of his penthouse suite with a view of Waikīkī Beach, Anthony "AC" Carter often feels surprised by how far he’s come in life.</p>
<h2>A Challenging Upbringing</h2>
<p>Carter faced a tumultuous childhood; his mother struggled with addiction, and all seven of his uncles faced incarceration at different times. As a teenager in Atlanta, he left high school after his freshman year.</p>
<h2>Finding Solace in Basketball</h2>
<p>Basketball became Carter's escape. Although he mingled with drug dealers, it was primarily through playing pickup games that he earned money. He later opted to take the sport seriously by joining Saddleback Community College in California. His talent earned him a basketball scholarship to the University of Hawai‘i, where he became one of the program's most distinguished players from 1996 to 1998.</p>
<h2>A Glorious College Career</h2>
<p>During his two-season tenure at Mānoa, Carter accumulated 1,070 points, joining a select group of 18 players to surpass the 1,000 mark. His record of 6.9 assists per game still stands. A highlight of his college career was scoring 19 points and dishing out seven assists in a notable win against No. 2 Kansas on December 30, 1997.</p>
<h2>Transitioning to Professional Basketball</h2>
<p>After college, he teamed up with the Yakima SunKings before a successful 13-season run in the NBA, featuring six different teams, including the Miami Heat and the San Antonio Spurs. Post-retirement, Carter transitioned into coaching, taking roles with the Spurs, Kings, Heat, and most recently, the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025.</p>
<h2>A Memorable Return to Hawai‘i</h2>
<p>Currently back in Hawai‘i, Carter is set to be honored on Saturday as the second player in the University of Hawai‘i men's basketball history to have his jersey retired, with his No. 23 being celebrated during AC Carter night. "Being back has been fantastic," he said, reflecting on the familiar faces and memories. "It’s a moment I never anticipated, and I'm grateful for the recognition."</p>
<h2>Valuable Lessons for Aspiring Players</h2>
<p>Carter encourages younger players to focus on enjoying the game rather than the pressure of aspiring to the NBA. "Just go play; someone will notice you," he advises. Having experienced a second chance after being a high school dropout, he emphasizes the joy of playing rather than chasing accolades.</p>
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