As the Dons prepare for a new season of basketball, two brothers look to make an instant impact. Brothers Ryan and Robby Beasley are kicking off their first year at USF and bringing a winning mentality to the War Memorial Gym.
The Beasleys are Bay Area natives, born in Berkeley and alumni of Dougherty Valley High School in San Ramon. They made waves in California during their short time together in high school. In their one season together, the Beasleys led their team to a 22-7 record and made it to the state championship.
After that season, elder brother Robby Beasley took his talents to the University of Montana, where he played for the Grizz. As an offensive juggernaut, he would soon transfer to University of California, Davis, and spend a season with the Aggies before arriving at USF.
While Robby excelled, Ryan Beasley was a star in the making for Dougherty Valley.
As a junior, Ryan Beasley was named the San Francisco Chronicle’s Co-Contra Costa/Tri-Valley Player of the Year. He also led his team to the North Coast Section Division I finals. As a senior, he was named the SF Chronicle’s All-Metro Player of the Year and also named to the MaxPreps California All-State Second Team.
Ryan Beasley’s skills drew attention nationwide, receiving offers from many Division I schools. Despite various programs’ interest, he decided to stay close to home and sign with the Dons.
As the younger Beasley celebrated, he would soon find that a familiar face would be joining him at USF.
“I made my decision long before he did — before I knew he was going to enter the transfer portal,” Ryan Beasley said. “So my process was totally different, but once this was an option, I was like, they love guards, so this would be great. And then he just weighed out his options. I guess this was the best for him, and we’re blessed to be here.”
The transfer was unexpected for Robby Beasley as well.
“I didn’t even know that this transition was coming either, like this was very impromptu,” Robby Beasley said. “That’s kind of the word I’ve used to describe the transition. There were some unforeseen circumstances that happened at my other school, and the opportunity presented itself, so it kind of came out of nowhere, to be honest. This team had a spot and my brother already knew the coaching staff, so I felt like it would be the easiest transition.”
Outside of the transition on the court, Robby Beasley has also helped his brother prepare for everything that comes with being a first-year collegiate athlete.
“I mean, I’m no stranger. I’m a vet now,” Robby Beasley said. “So I kind of understand how things go, some of the little things off the court just in terms of gearing up for classes. I know it’s a huge step, a huge transition from high school to college. But honestly, having someone there that’s been there before, makes all the difference. That’s kind of the person or teammate that I want to be. Not just for my brother, but the newcomers in general.”
Bay Area natives, The Beasleys look forward to playing in front of their many friends and family who will come support them this season.
“It’s super exciting to see familiar faces in the stands,” Robby Beasley said. “We’re a 40-minute drive from our hometown. Family’s gonna support, friends are gonna come support, and I guess that adds fuel, a little bit more excitement for games in the season, and it makes us work even harder…it just adds a little bit more positive energy and excitement to workouts…so we’re very excited to perform literally in our backyard.”
Ryan Beasley said, “It is a dream come true playing college basketball and also having my brother here. We’re very blessed for the opportunity. As far as winning, we work hard every day — we like winning, and we’re gonna bring that mentality to the team and hopefully be able to produce…and do whatever we got to do to win.”
The Dons men’s basketball team is set to start their season on November 6th, on the Hilltop, as they take on Bethesda University.
