Behind every successful athlete stands a foundation of support, guidance, and often a legacy of athletic excellence. For former Texas Tech forward Devan Cambridge, who just received a seventh year of eligibility from the NCAA, this foundation comes in the form of a basketball dynasty led by his parents.
From Nashville, Tennessee, to Texas Tech, Cambridge has journeyed through multiple college programs, showcasing the athletic prowess that runs in his family. Recently cleared for basketball activities after recovering from a torn knee ligament, Cambridge’s resilience mirrors the determination instilled in him by parents.

Who Are Devan Cambridge’s Parents? A Look at The Cambridge Basketball Dynasty
At the helm of the Cambridge basketball legacy stands Desmond Cambridge Sr., a former Alabama A&M standout who set the NCAA record for steals in a season with 160. After his collegiate career from 1999 to 2002, Desmond Sr. turned his attention to nurturing basketball talent in his home.
Dedication to developing his children’s skills became Desmond Sr.’s mission. In his own words, “I’ve always been hard on them, and they needed me here, so I made sure to be there. I took them with me to the gym all the time.”
This commitment has produced remarkable results, with multiple Cambridge siblings reaching collegiate basketball levels.
Teon Cotton, Devan’s mother, completes the parental duo that raised what many consider an extraordinary basketball family. While details about her background are limited, her presence alongside Desmond Sr. is consistently noted in collegiate roster biographies and family accounts.
Together, the couple raised not just Devan but an impressive roster of basketball talent. The Cambridge siblings include Desmond Jr., who played at Brown and Nevada, Jalon who competed for Fisk, and Jordyn, who also played college basketball.
For the Cambridge family, basketball began as more than just a sport; it was a positive direction for the children. Desmond Sr. observed that basketball kept his children away from negative influences.
“I think everybody in our circle who knew me just assumed and figured [they’d play basketball]. They were always in the gym. They always had a basketball. You just knew [they’d play],” he explained.
With over 1,000 career points and a reputation for defensive intensity, Devan continues the family tradition established by his parents. His resilience through injury and transfer shows the mental toughness instilled by parents who understood the value of dedication and perseverance on and off the court.
As Devan Cambridge looks toward the future, potentially using his rare seventh year of eligibility, he carries with him the legacy of parents who transformed family gym sessions into a basketball dynasty.
Their influence extends beyond statistics, shaping the character and determination that define not just Devan but an entire generation of Cambridge athletes.
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