Greyhound Grad Phil Henry, who also goes by "PhilDonJuan," is a professional athlete who plays basketball around the globe.

Phil, who played on the Eastern New Mexico University men's basketball team and graduated from ENMU with a bachelor's degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations in 2014, discusses his exciting career and his Eastern Experience.

Tell us about your job.

My job is to bring my experience as an international professional basketball player to clubs/teams around the world. Typically, most countries have a premier professional basketball league that allows 2–5 foreign import players to come in and help the team achieve its goals for that season.

What inspired you to become a professional athlete?

Ever since I was young, I always aspired to travel the world to share new experiences and meet great people while doing it. My love and ability to play the game of basketball have always been the focus on allowing me to have these experiences.

What are your short- and long-term career goals?

My short-term goal is to compete for a championship. My long-term goal is to continue to allow basketball to provide the means to take care of my family as well as guide me to a place where I can find myself settling down and starting my own family and business abroad.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your career?

The most rewarding aspect of my career is being allowed to experience so many cultures, foods and different geographic treasures from around the world. Travel these days is very expensive and time-consuming for most, and basketball gives me the avenue to fulfill my responsibilities in my career while also exploring the world.

What is your advice to students looking to become professional athletes?

The best advice that I could give anyone trying to get into international basketball is to stay focused! Many young players aspire to play professionally and think once they sign an agent that their career is set, but unfortunately, that isn't true. The first few years are the hardest because whether you were the best player on your college team or had a great opportunity directly out of college once you begin professionally, you are starting over and have to prove yourself; every day is an opportunity to show why you should be here over the other millions of young athletes trying to play professionally.

Tell us about your background and family.

I'm originally from Englewood, New Jersey, and was raised by my mom, Phyllis Baker. I have two siblings; one is named Katrese, and the other Maurice. My sister Katrese has two younger daughters named Vaniesa and Alyssa. I am very close to my nieces as they have been my world for many years.

Why did you decide to attend ENMU?

At the time of deciding to attend and play at ENMU, I had already had interest from professional teams internationally, and I knew that was my goal after graduating. I visited Eastern, and culturally it was completely different and something out of my norm. After visiting a few other schools, Eastern was willing to match the offers and conditions those schools we're willing to make, so I decided to take the chance.

Why did you choose to major in communication with an emphasis in public relations?

I've always been personable and carried a certain charisma that allowed me to interact and communicate with people from different sorts and backgrounds, and I felt like public relations was something that best suits me naturally. I wanted to go into something that I truly felt was interesting but would also add to me as a person, and public relations happen to be that path.

Tell us about your Eastern Experience.

One of my most memorable experiences at Eastern was probably mud volleyball! It was always something that I felt like everyone came together on and had a blast doing it. It was always such a built-up event that everyone looked forward to it.

It seemed like everyone from upperclassman to lower classmen would come out and enjoy this day of festivities. No one cared about dressing up or being noticed or anything. Everyone's main focus was getting dirty, partying and playing volleyball! 

Any class that Dr. Dobson taught was my favorite class! She was the kindest instructor I have met during my experience at Eastern. She's always been super supportive, solution-oriented and compassionate, making sure every individual that passed through the Department of Communication succeeded.

How did ENMU help prepare you for your career?

Educationally, Eastern provided me with the ability to capitalize on my networking abilities internationally as I continue to travel and form/build relationships both on and off the court.

Tell us about your awards and accomplishments.

• ENMU all-time single-season block record holder
• Georgian super league champion
• Georgian super league championship MVP
• All first team Georgian super league honors
• 2016–2017 highest efficiency game record holder (SBL) "Slovakia"
• SBL Player of the Week (2x)
• Slovakian league third-team honors
• Slovakian league SBL all import honors.
• 3x player of the week–Uruguay
• Luxenberg Cup finalist
• Luxenberg total league semifinalist
• Norway all imports team
• Cyprus Cup semifinalist
• Colombian LBP semifinalist

Who are your role models?

My two biggest role models are Nipsey Hussle and Lebron James. Nipsey inspires me because he is someone who came from very humble beginnings and made a way for himself regardless of the circumstances he was born into. Throughout his journey, he remained humble and dedicated, never letting his past limit success while rebuilding and restoring his community to help others from similar backgrounds succeed. 

Career and familywise, LeBron has always been a huge impact and inspiration to me. His ability to be so versatile on and off the court truly is nothing short of greatness. His ability to be one of the best in every category on the court as well as off the court truly inspires me. He's remained humble, driven, family-oriented and carries the same passion for all the above for over 20 years.

Are you involved with any organizations or causes?

There is one foundation that I volunteer to be a part of every summer. A close friend of mine runs a camp that he personally brands called "Live Like JT," which hosts a camp every year for several hundred young children aspiring to play the game of basketball at higher levels. Being a part of this great event allows me to interact, coach and mentor young athletes to share my experiences over my career, coming from a young high school athlete to a collegiate athlete and professional.

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies include traveling, spending time with my family, reading and building nitro RC cars.

Share an interesting fact about yourself.

I have a dog named Capone, who I consider my son. Capone is a Pitbull that I have had since attending Eastern!

Is there any additional information you would like to share?

When graduating college, one of the most rewarding factors is the lifelong connections formed during your time as an undergrad. That being said, I would like to send my most kind regards to Carla Anaya. You have been such an important pillar in my life during my time at Eastern and continue to show so much love and support throughout my post-grad as I've excelled in my career. You are truly the definition of the lifelong connections and bonds that are meant to be cherished when attending a university, and for that, I thank you!

Phil with his family. (L-R) Phil's baby niece Alyssa; Phil's sister's husband, Joe; Phil's first niece Vaniesa; Phil's sister Katrese; and Phil.