“Shelomi Was Never Given a Fair Chance”: Pilar Sanders Shockingly Accuses Coach Prime of Hampering Daughter’s Career

Shelomi Sanders‘ decision to transfer has stirred up mixed feelings, particularly with her father, Coach Prime. When questioned about Shelomi’s departure from Boulder, Coach Prime didn’t mince words, expressing his discontent with her choice and implying a circumvention of NCAA regulations.

“(It) was stupid,” Deion Sanders candidly said to DNVR on Wednesday. “You don’t enter the portal. You get a team before you enter the portal,” stating that entering the portal without securing a team in advance was not the best move on Shelomi’s part. Mother Pilar Sanders, however, had some harsh truths to serve as a justified comeback. 

Pilar Sanders supports Shelomi’s choice

 Pilar Sanders, former spouse of Coach Prime, came to her daughter’s defense. Pilar stated that Shelomi “was never given a fair chance to really get recruited.” Despite receiving initial interest from colleges and universities, her potential recruitment was overshadowed by assumptions that she would follow in her father’s footsteps to Jackson State University (JSU). This perception, fueled by media speculation and her father’s reputation, hindered Shelomi’s ability to explore other options and deprived her of the full recruiting experience.

Ultimately, she joined JSU, like many other students, to support her father’s coaching career. When Coach Prime transitioned to Colorado, Shelomi followed suit, relocating to support him, despite not being recruited by the university. Consequently, she was effectively considered a walk-on due to her familial ties. According to Pilar, now that Shelomi has finally taken a call for her own career, Deion Sanders should be supporting her and not reprimanding her choice. Moving on from Boulder, Shelomi finds herself making her way to the hills.

Shelomi Sanders commits to the Alabama A&M Bulldogs

Sanders’ journey to Alabama A&M follows her family’s transition from Jackson State to Colorado. Despite limited playing time in her collegiate career thus far, Sanders brings potential and determination to her new team. Last season, she averaged 0.6 points and 0.6 rebounds per game with the Buffaloes. However, her standout performance against the Air Force Academy showcased her ability to contribute when given the opportunity.

Coach Thornton’s arrival at Alabama A&M signals a new era for the Bulldogs women’s basketball program. With a focus on recruiting top talent and building a competitive team, Thornton is poised to lead the Bulldogs to success in the SWAC. As Tomekia Reed departs from Jackson State, the door opens for Thornton and the Bulldogs to establish themselves as contenders in the conference in the upcoming season.