Khalil London didn't have to be sold on Tennessee State. From the moment he stepped on campus last spring, the feeling was familiar — not the South, not the OVC, but something closer to home. 

"It just felt like a lot of family," London said. "It reminded me of home. Everybody made it clear they would take care of me and that they had my back."

The Long Island native arrived at TSU after a winding basketball journey marked by high-level success, injuries, and perseverance. A transfer from the College of Charleston, London was part of the Cougars' 2023-24 NCAA Tournament team and played under now-Louisville head coach Pat Kelsey. He redshirted his first season due to injury but eventually contributed to Charleston's back-to-back league championships. "It was crazy, but elite," London said of Charleston. "Everybody had to be a star in their role. That's how we won."

Before Charleston and TSU, London's roots were firmly planted on Long Island. A native of Wyandanch in Suffolk County, he began his high school career at Brentwood High School before transferring to St. Dominic's in Oyster Bay, one of the region's most storied Catholic League programs. The move exposed him to a legacy that included coaching icons such as Rick Pitino and a long list of collegiate standouts. This feature's author, also a Long Island native, attended St. Mary's in Manhasset, one of St. Dominic's chief rivals in the Nassau-Suffolk Catholic High School Athletic Association, a league known for producing legendary basketball players. 

"Seeing the banners on the wall, hearing about how great the players were that came through there — it felt like a great opportunity," London said. "I felt like I was going to get to where I needed to be in life, and I feel like I'm on that path today."

London's time at St. Dominic's was about more than basketball. It was about embracing a culture of excellence and learning how to compete at the highest level in high school sports. "It was big for me because I came from Brentwood, a public school, and barely played my freshman year," he said. "Coach Mike Kelly took a chance on me. Seeing the history, the banners, the players that came through, it pushed me to get better every day." 

During his time in the Nassau-Suffolk Catholic League, London became familiar with some of the region's most notable names in basketball. From a young pre-coaching Rick Pitino to CBS basketball analyst Tim Doyle and other collegiate stars, St. Dom's offered both a challenge and an inspiration. He also remembers competing against the families and siblings of players like Danny Green, who would go on to become an NBA champion.

After St. Dominic's, London spent his senior year at Scotland Campus Sports in Pennsylvania, a national prep program designed to mirror the demands of college basketball. From morning workouts at 10 a.m., to study hall, afternoon practices, and shooting sessions on his own, London said the experience gave him a glimpse of the rigor of college athletics. "It was literally basketball all day," he said. "It was a preview of college. I played better competition, learned new things, and it showed me what it would take to get to the next level."

London's preparation paid off when he landed at College of Charleston. After recovering from a torn ACL in his senior year of prep basketball, he was fortunate to receive an opportunity from a coach familiar with his talent. Redshirting his first year, London learned the demands of high-level college basketball, then stepped into a rotation under Kelsey. The Cougars' "25 strong" philosophy — emphasizing that each player had to excel in their role — left a lasting impression. "You had to be crazy about basketball," London said. "Every role mattered. That's how we won back-to-back championships."

Despite the success, London's journey was again interrupted. Shortly after transferring to TSU, he suffered another ACL tear, testing both his patience and resolve. "There were times where I was just trying to find myself again," he said. "The last few games, I finally felt like I belonged out there again. I felt like the old Khalil."

Much of London's resilience traces back to his family. Born to young parents — his father was 19 and his mother 17 when he was born — London said their determination and guidance shaped him both on and off the court. "My dad was my biggest influence," he said. "He pushed me to be disciplined, to remain humble, and always focus on academics. I couldn't come home with anything below an 85. That set the standard for everything else." London credits his father with introducing him to sports. They spent countless hours together at local gyms, working on fundamentals and competing against each other. "We bumped heads a lot when I was younger," he said. "He was hard on me, but now I see why. He taught me how to work and how to compete." His family remains central to his life. 

When he's home, London spends time with his four younger siblings, watching games together or enjoying meals cooked by his mother. Over Christmas break, his day started at Wally's Bagels in Babylon for a bacon, egg, and cheese, followed by lunch at Cherry Valley Deli in West Hempstead, and ended with dinner from his mother: empanadas, sweet potatoes, mac and cheese, collard greens, and cornbread. "My family keeps me grounded," London said. "They remind me why I work hard, both on the court and off."

At TSU, London has embraced a new challenge: finding his role after multiple injuries and transfers. His energy, defense, and versatility have made him a valuable part of the Tigers' rotation, and he's steadily rediscovering his rhythm. "Coming back and feeling like I belong again — that was the most important thing," he said. "Now it's about showing I can contribute every game."

This season, London has steadily rediscovered his rhythm for the Tigers. He opened the campaign with a solid 14-point outing at Belmont, adding a perfect 4-for-4 from the free-throw line, and followed it with another 14-point performance against Oakwood, hitting two three-pointers and grabbing six rebounds. He struggled in a pair of tough road games at Western Kentucky and Tennessee, combining for just three points, but bounced back with 12 points against Tennessee Wesleyan, connecting on 62.5% of his shots. In conference play, London's scoring spiked, highlighted by a 15-point, 3-of-5 three-point effort at Western Illinois and a career-high 23 points at Eastern Illinois, where he shot 53% from the field and hit three of nine from long range. Over 15 games, London has averaged 7.9 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, shooting 36.5% from the field and 25% from three-point range.

London's aspirations are clear. He hopes to play professional basketball, then eventually transition into coaching or pursue opportunities in business and finance — and possibly Wall Street. For now, though, TSU is the focus. He's determined to prove he's more than a role player, more than a comeback story, and more than a transfer.

A proud Long Island product, London believes his region is often overlooked. "We've got a lot of hidden gems," he said. "A lot of guys who can really play." When asked who he considers the best player to come out of Long Island, he didn't hesitate. "Dr. J. Julius Erving, for sure," he said, also giving a nod to former St. Mary's standout and San Antonio Spurs star Danny Green.

From Brentwood to Oyster Bay, from Scotland prep to Charleston, and now Nashville, Khalil London's journey has been anything but linear. Through injuries, transitions, and challenges, he's remained disciplined, focused, and motivated — qualities instilled by his family and honed by years of competition. After everything he's endured, London is finally getting the chance to show what he can do — on his terms, on the court, and beyond.