WHO IS Naz?
A proud product of Lorain, Ohio, Naz Bohannon is often described as a modern-day renaissance man. Throughout his life, he has excelled in multiple fields, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way.
In high school, Naz epitomized the term “student-athlete.” During his time at Lorain High School, he was a standout two-sport athlete, earning numerous accolades in both football and basketball. His decorated career included multiple school records and All-League, County, District, and State honors. His athletic prowess led to scholarship offers in both sports, giving him the rare opportunity to choose his path. Academically, he was equally accomplished—graduating in the top 5% of his class while also earning an Associate of Arts degree from Lorain County Community College. His success, combined with his deep pride for his hometown, earned him a proclamation from the city council.
After high school, Naz attended Youngstown State University, where he embraced the city’s grit and sense of community as his own. He chose to play basketball while studying business, making a lasting impact on and off the court. Over his four-year career, he became one of just 22 players since the 1992-93 season to record at least 1,200 points, 975 rebounds, and 275 assists.
His performance earned him multiple All-League honors, a team MVP award, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a minor in Marketing. Due to the challenges of the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, he was granted an extra year of eligibility, which he used to play his final season at Clemson University while earning a Master’s degree in Organizational Leadership.
Following college, Naz returned to a childhood passion—football—leading to a brief stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the NFL. After months as a free agent, his journey took him overseas, where he began a professional basketball career in Germany. Unsurprisingly, his young professional career has already resulted in a championship and All-League recognition.
Beyond sports and academics, Naz has pursued several entrepreneurial and philanthropic ventures. He has launched a business, authored a book, and founded the nonprofit H.O.P.E., demonstrating his unwavering commitment to uplifting his community.