By virtue of his HBCU Movement team going undefeated in the NBL-US league, Jonesboro native Asante Belton can enjoy being a professional basketball champion, AGAIN!

Once is great! To do it two times is twice as nice!

In 2023, Belton became what is believed to be the first Jackson Parish native to be a member of a professional basketball championship winning team when his East Houston United team won the National Basketball League title. 

To win a championship at any level is quite an achievement but to do so on a professional level is something only a very few ever accomplish. To say it is remarkable is an understatement but even this fails in comparison to Belton even getting the chance to be in this position.

“I was born with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD),” reflects Belton. “The doctors told my parents I probably wouldn’t live past the age of five.”

Belton defied all odds and graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School in 2014. Through a continued regiment of medicines and a monitored diet he started adding weight to his 5’7″ frame and in 2017 earned a spot on the Alexandria Armor of the American Basketball Association (ABA). 

In 2019 Belton became a member of the Baton Rouge Timberwolves of the United Basketball Association (UBA) as a backup point guard before joining the Baytown Bobcats of the NBL-US in 2020. Belton not only moved into the starting lineup he started producing gigantic numbers, including his 36 point career high effort in the 2020 playoffs. Now he is a two time champion.

The National Basketball League is a unique American based Exposure League. It is designed to bridge the gap between USA, Asia, Caribbean, African and European basketball, in order to provide opportunities for professional players to showcase their talent on a global platform.

When not playing Belton uses his time in an attempt to inspire young boys and girls. This past year you could find him coaching the youth of Jonesboro-Hodge Elementary School and at JHHS where he assisted with the basketball teams.

“My hope is that my journey inspires others who have it hard coming up or have adversities that they have to overcome,” said Belton. “My message is DON’T GIVE UP! I don’t care if you don’t have money, support or even good health, as long as you don’t give up on your dream and keep your faith, you will succeed.”