Robert Upshaw was born on May 1, 1994, in California to parents Ceylon Sherman and Benny Bowie. He grew up with two brothers, Jereol Walker and Marcus Becote, and one sister, Tymeika Becote. Upshaw showed promise in basketball from a young age and attended San Joaquin Memorial High School, where he was considered a top 100 recruit.
Initially committed to join Kansas State, Upshaw found himself looking for a new school when the team's coach, Frank Martin, left for another job. He eventually decided to play college basketball at Fresno State before transferring to the University of Washington.
At the University of Washington, Upshaw quickly made a name for himself as a dominant 7-foot center. During the 2014-2015 season, he led the NCAA in blocked shots per game and was poised for a successful career in the NBA. However, his time at Washington was cut short when he was dismissed from the basketball program for violating team rules.
Despite the setback at Washington, Upshaw declared for the 2015 NBA Draft with hopes of making it to the league. While he did not get drafted, he continued to pursue his basketball career in various leagues and teams. Upshaw faced challenges both on and off the court but remained determined to prove himself as a skilled player.
Off the court, Upshaw values his family and the support they have given him throughout his career. His parents, siblings, and loved ones have been a constant source of encouragement and motivation. Upshaw's dedication to the game is fueled by his desire to make his family proud and succeed in his chosen profession.
Throughout his basketball journey, Upshaw has had the opportunity to work with talented coaches and mentors. One of his notable coaches was Lorenzo Romar at the University of Washington. Romar played a significant role in Upshaw's development as a player and provided guidance on and off the court. Upshaw credits his coaches and mentors for shaping him into the player he is today.
While Upshaw's basketball career has had its ups and downs, his perseverance and resilience serve as a testament to his character. He continues to chase his dreams and overcome obstacles with a relentless work ethic. Upshaw's story is one of determination, passion, and the unwavering pursuit of success.