It's A Dream Come True

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Saturday morning when the University of Arkansas holds its fall graduation ceremony in Bud Walton Arena, Dusty Hannahs will be over 500 miles away getting shots up in the Toyota Center.

For someone who puts up over 300 shots per day, it’s pretty fitting that Hannahs will be in the middle of pregame shoot around when his graduation takes place on the very court he has practiced for countless hours and drained endless 3-pointers.

“I feel like I just started college yesterday and to be finished with a degree from the Walton College of Business is awesome,” said Hannahs. “It’s a big honor to graduate from such a prestigious business school.”

When Hannahs transferred to Arkansas after his sophomore season at Texas Tech, it was like the final piece of a puzzle fit right into place and it all made sense. For one of the best shooters in the country, it’s more than just a piece of paper, but a chance to carry on a legacy his parents started over 30 years ago.

“I remember sitting in my dad’s office and always seeing his diploma on the wall from Arkansas and now I’m getting the same degree which is pretty cool. My mom graduated from Arkansas as well so it’s a dream come true to carry on the tradition.”

When the Little Rock native takes the court in Houston, he will have a constant reminder of that family legacy as an SEC graduate patch will don the left side of his jersey, representing countless hours of attending class, study hall, tutoring sessions and student development courses.

“It’ll be pretty cool to have that patch on my uniform when I’m playing,” said Hannahs. “It’s hard to explain, but wearing that accomplishment on the floor is a big deal for me.”

He is the 13th current or former Razorback basketball player to receive their diploma during the last three years, but he’ll be the first to wear the coveted “SEC Graduate” patch on his uniform.

Hannahs will step on the court for the first time as a college graduate on Saturday afternoon when the Razorbacks renew a storied rivalry with Texas at the Toyota Center in Houston. Tip-off is set for 1:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

When you are going miss graduation you have an impromptu ceremony at practice! Congrats @D_Hannahs! 🎓#ItJustMeansMore pic.twitter.com/IyMxcEvxox — Razorback Basketball (@RazorbackMBB) December 15, 2016

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