As commencement goes from being a dream to a reality in a few days time, it also serves as a reminder for graduating seniors of how complete the graduation ceremony is with the presence of family. For the student-athlete, the time and attention given to his or her sport can limit family interaction. But for Neil P. Dougherty, family played more of a hands-on role during his four-year journey at TCU.

Dougherty, a senior finance major and point guard for the men’s basketball team, had the rare opportunity to do at the college level what people dream of doing as kids: to play for their father. Neil P. Dougherty walked on the men’s basketball team before the 2003-2004 season for his father, head coach Neil Dougherty, who was entering his second season at the time.

“I was nervous about coaching him,” he said , “but I didn’t tell him that up front.”

From there, the father and son duo continued to build on a trust through the game they live and love.

“Basketball is what brought us together,” Neil P. Dougherty said.

At first, Neil Dougherty said he was hesitant in encouraging basketball to his children because of what he expected from them as a coach.

That caution soon became a thing of the past as Neil P. Dougherty grew older. His love for the game continued to grow during his father’s time as an assistant coach at Kansas, where he recalls scoring his first points against his father in a pick-up game at Kansas’ famed Allen Fieldhouse.

When asked about whom he considers to be his role models, after answering with his father and mother, Patti, he was quick to mention former Kansas Jayhawk and current Boston Celtic Paul Pierce. Neil P. Dougherty credited the all-star forward’s ability to make a positive impression as to why he looks up to him.

“He had a way of reaching the level of kids, and made them feel comfortable,” Neil P. Dougherty said of Pierce.

It even got to the point where the two would regularly play video games against one another. These are instances that Neil P. Dougherty takes pride in talking about.

“Oh, I would always win,” he said with a laugh.

Unlike players who gain recognition for their athleticism and natural talent, players such as Neil P. Dougherty earn their recognition for heady, mature play and a strong work ethic. This type of mature understanding on the court is reflective of Neil P. Dougherty off the court as well, Neil Dougherty said.

After a successful season at North Crowley High School that saw him average nine points and six assists per game, while being named as the Fort Worth region’s newcomer of the year by the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Neil P. Dougherty was faced with a difficult decision as to where to continue his education at the next level. With his grades being exceptional in high school, Neil P. Dougherty was recruited by Ivy League schools such as Yale and Harvard before deciding to stay close to home to have the opportunity to play for his father at TCU.

If people have been following TCU men’s basketball during the past couple seasons, then fans would know that it hasn’t been all good times for the Doughertys as the Horned Frogs have compiled a 19-41 record in that time. Having to deal with the criticism showered at his father was difficult for Neil P. Dougherty.

“It’s tough to see him going through that when you know how much hard work he puts forth,” Neil P. Dougherty said.

Despite the hard times, on the court, Neil Dougherty has been grateful to have had a point guard who had a good grasp on what he wanted to do in in-game situations.

“He understands me probably as well as I understand myself,” Neil Dougherty said.

Like all proud parents, Neil Dougherty said he can’t help but be proud of what his son has been able to accomplish on and off the court. He noted his son’s open spirit as a quality his son takes pride in.

“He doesn’t hide anything,” Neil Dougherty said. “He plays poker with his cards showing.”

Upon hearing his father’s assessment, Neil P. Dougherty laughed, and insisted that he keeps a couple of tricks up his sleeve. After watching Neil P. Dougherty walking on the men’s basketball team to play for his father, the TCU community awaits his next trick: graduation.