CLINTON, Iowa, May 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Harlem Globetrotter team Showman Kevin "Special K" Daley was one of 2,818 online graduates from Ashford University in May. The university offers undergraduate and graduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100524/LA09263)

While Special K, 33, is a superstar on the "world's most famous basketball team," he didn't get any special treatment in the classroom.

Between more than 500 games spread over 25 countries and territories, 150 U.S. cities and 50,000-plus miles traveled, Special K completed the coursework to earn his undergraduate degree in sociology.

His higher education anecdotes range from late night studying after games to as late as 3 a.m. to a time when he took a test in a crowded locker room just minutes before his performance. Determination and devotion earned him a 3.6 GPA, a position on the Dean's List and graduation "with distinction."

More importantly, Daley's higher education accomplishment fulfilled a promise he made to his father, and to himself. In 2000, he left Azusa Pacific University to pursue a professional basketball career but vowed to his dad that someday he would finish college.

Daley admits he was not passionate about school earlier in his life. "I went to school so I could play basketball. I couldn't play basketball unless I did my studies," he said. As time passed, his attitude changed. He realized it was time to keep his promise. "I can't preach education to my own daughter if I had the opportunity and didn't do it."

He says online class work proved more difficult than he imagined and hopes people realize that despite obstacles in the way, they can reach their goals no matter the circumstances.

More than 98 percent of Ashford University's students attend classes online. Online graduates represent the face of non-traditional learners -- working moms, dads, military war veterans, career enhancers, career launchers and scholarship winners...and a Harlem Globetrotter role model.

For "Promise Fulfilled" complete story, visit http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/news/index.html?article_id=245

For Daley's bio, visit http://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/team/players/index.html?player_id=7.

About Ashford University

Founded in 1918, Ashford University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org).  The University offers graduate and undergraduate degree programs online and at its Clinton, Iowa, campus.  The University is known for its high quality yet highly affordable online and on-campus programs.  For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu or call Shari Rodriguez, director of Public Relations, at 858.513.9240 x2513.

About the Harlem Globetrotters

The Original Harlem Globetrotters are in their 84th consecutive season of touring the world.  The Globetrotters have played in 120 countries and territories on six continents, entertaining over 130 million fans and breaking down barriers between cultures, societies and people from all walks of life.  The Globetrotters are one of only six teams to be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.  For more information about the Harlem Globetrotters, visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com.

SOURCE Ashford University