Raised in Fairfield County, SC, Bashan graduated from Fairfield Central High School. He then went on to earn a degree from Clemson University, where he played Defensive Back for the football team until a severe knee injury ended his athletic career. He has since owned several businesses and co-founded the Making a Difference Foundation. Additionally, Bashan is a dedicated mentor with the P.A.W. (Passionate About Winning) Journey and an annual coach at the Dabo Swinney Football Camp in Clemson, SC. Bash was inspired to work with children by his mother, Ruthene Johnson, who retired after more than 45 years of teaching. He attributes his father, Ross Johnson, with teaching him the value of moving through life with strong, confident “male energy,” a lesson he now strives to pass on to the boys and young men he mentors. His purpose is to use his life experiences to help youth reach their full potential.