From Nashville to the Nation’s Capital: Tyrone Marshall’s Relentless Rise Through the Ranks
- USA Top 100
- Jul 24
- 4 min read
By Erin Reid Washington,DC
July 24.2025
From a late start in eighth grade to battling against top NCAA talent in March Madness, Tyrone Marshall’s basketball journey has been anything but ordinary. Now a key contributor for George Washington University, the 6’8", 220-pound forward from Nashville has built a reputation on energy, effort, and steady evolution — both as a player and a person.
A graduate of Pearl Cohn High School in Nashville, Marshall didn’t grow up with the basketball pedigree of many of his peers. But what he lacked in early experience, he made up for with work ethic and inspiration from defensive stalwarts like PJ Tucker.
“PJ Tucker was always my favorite,” Marshall said. “Played defense, knocked down open shots. I look at stuff like that.”
That blue-collar mentality shaped Marshall’s identity: a high-motor player who compares himself to Dennis Rodman with an offensive game. He’s relentless on the boards, explosive in transition, and now developing into a multi-level scoring threat.
JUCO Roots and NCAA Dreams
Marshall’s post-high school path began at Colby Community College in Kansas — a life-changing experience that took place during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That year, I became a man,” he recalled. “Everything changed.”
As a freshman, he averaged 14 points per game and quickly earned a starting role. In his second season, he elevated his game even further, posting 16 points per game and finishing as the 11th-ranked JUCO player in the nation. He also earned a spot at the prestigious JA48 Showcase, competing in front of top NCAA coaches alongside future D-I players like Justin Porter (Clemson) and Allen Mukeba (Arizona State).
WKU: Highs, Lessons, and March Madness
Marshall’s breakout led him to Western Kentucky University, where he experienced both triumph and transition. The WKU community embraced him, and the energy on campus was electric. But his three-year stint was marked by constant change, with three different head coaches in three seasons — each with new systems and expectations.
Still, Marshall flourished, eventually helping WKU punch a ticket to the NCAA Tournament. The experience, he said, was unforgettable.
“Playing in the NCAA Tournament feels like being on top of the world. Police escorts, winning the Conference USA championship, going up against a No. 2 seed — and real NBA talent. It was surreal.”
Despite the coaching carousel, Marshall looks back on his time in Bowling Green fondly — so much so that he says Western Kentucky is a place he could see himself living after his career is over.
“The people, the community — they embraced me. It’s definitely somewhere I could see myself staying.”
Capital Energy: A New Start at George Washington
Following coaching changes at WKU — including the departure of Rick Stansbury to Memphis — Marshall sought a fresh start. That came in the form of George Washington
University, where Coach Lee recruited him with purpose and persistence.
“Coach Lee was calling every day. We did a Zoom meeting, I took an official visit — and I fell in love with downtown D.C.,” Marshall said. “I live 8 minutes from the White House now.”
He credits the positive energy from the coaching staff and visits to places like the African American Museum as reasons why GW felt like home. The combination of culture, location, and opportunity sealed the deal.
Development and Goals
Now at GW, Marshall is focused on rounding out his game as a versatile wing. His biggest priority? Consistency as a shooter, developing his ball-handling, and learning to score with both hands — a skill born from adversity.
“I broke my arm three times growing up, so I had to learn to shoot with both hands. Now I work on scoring with my left.”
Off the Court: Balance and Passions
While basketball is a central part of his life, Marshall is far from one-dimensional. Off the court, he’s a passionate gamer, enjoys fishing and skating, and is beginning to dive into Washington’s baseball scene. You’ll also catch him riding scooters around the city, soaking in the atmosphere.
“I like getting out, riding scooters through D.C., just enjoying life. It’s a great city to be in.”
Words of Wisdom
When asked what advice he would give to young athletes chasing their dreams, Marshall doesn’t hesitate:
“Don’t give up. When you feel like the world is against you, keep your spirits up. Know who you’re doing it for, and why you’re doing it. Whatever you can use to motivate yourself — use it. Because people will try to kill your dreams.”
From Pearl Cohn to GWU, from JUCO to March Madness, Tyrone Marshall’s story is a powerful reminder that success isn’t about where you start — it’s about your motor, your mindset, and the memories you create along the way.