Living a ‘Fantasy’

Name: Lamont CannonPosition: Outreach coordinator, Scholars@DukeYears at Duke: 1

What I do at Duke: As outreach coordinator with Scholars@Duke, I’ve helped roll out the system, which highlights faculty members, researchers, graduate students, their accomplishments and research. I’ve been doing presentations, demonstrations and working with faculty in small groups to teach the application. We’ll also work with broader campus and external users to highlight work our faculty is doing. 

If I had $5 million, I would: First pay off my house and bills and allot enough for my son to go to college. Then I’d take time off work for a long vacation in Spain, Portugal and Italy because I’ve always wanted to experience the food and culture. 

My first ever job: I was a grocery bagger for Watlington’s Grocery Store in Yanceyville, North Carolina. My dad was friends with the owner and in a small town, it helps to have an ‘in’ to get a job. I was 16 when I started and worked after school year round. It taught me about providing good customer service.

My dream job: To be a player in the NBA. It’d be a dream to have the chance to get paid to play a sport I love. I’d want to play for Charlotte because they’re our home team and it’d be great to play in front of friends and family.

If someone wanted to start a conversation with me they should ask me about: Fantasy sports. I love fantasy football, but also play baseball and basketball, too. I love sports in general, so it’s a chance to talk more about sports and even enjoy games more than just watching my own teams. You get an invested interest in what other players and teams do. 

The best advice I ever received: Keep God first in all I do. Being a dad, you see the importance of living right to set an example for my son and others. 

What I love about Duke: I’m surrounded by great coworkers. In my first year, I’ve had a chance to meet so many wonderful people who have welcomed me and made me feel at home. You know it’s a good job when you feel like you’re part of a family. 

When I’m not at work, I like to: Play fantasy sports or watch sports. But I always make time for my family, starting with my wife and son, Judah. He’s 6 and loves baseball, so I’ve been playing and guiding him to learn the sport. As a family, we’ll also ride bikes, go for walks and play board games.

Something most people don’t know about me: I was North Carolina’s three-point shooting champion in 1999. I was living in Greensboro at the time and won the preliminary round there and made it to nationals and lost. We shot 25 three-pointers at five positions then 25 free throws and the highest combined score moved on.