Kyle O'Quinn graduated from Norfolk State University on Saturday

New York Knicks center Kyle O'Quinn, who left Norfolk State University in 2012 to pursue his NBA dream, returned to campus this weekend to pick up his diploma. The bearded, burly Queens native earned the 24 credits he needed to graduate over the past few years, according to Ian Begley:

"I did a heavy load in the summer, obviously, and I'd take one or two classes during the year, but everything's so mobile nowadays that it makes it a little easier," said O'Quinn, who will receive a degree in interdisciplinary studies with a focus on education.

O'Quinn made a promise to his mother that he would earn a degree, and she'll be in the audience at the graduation ceremony.

"They were worried at times because I was 18, but it was an opportunity that my parents never had," O'Quinn said of Regina and his late father, Tommie. "It means a lot to my parents. It's good to make them proud."

His father passed away last summer, a few weeks after Kyle was acquired by his hometown team. He was memorialized in a pregame ceremony before the Knicks' home opener. O'Quinn didn't have the breakthrough season we fans were hoping for, but he's a good kid who has worked his butt off to honor his family's legacy. Congratulations, Kyle!