Bowie, Md.-- Bowie State University has signed Willard Duke Crews, a high profile, McDonald's All-American transfer from the University of Tennessee, to their basketball program. Crews made an official announcement on Friday, July 11 during the Allen Iverson Celebrity Summer Classic press conference at the ESPN Zone in Washington, D.C.
"We are very excited to have Willard Crews as part of the Bowie State University basketball program," says the university’s Men's Head Basketball Coach Luke D'Alessio. "Willard is an excellent student-athlete that we have great faith in and he will be an excellent addition to our institution. We've had three All-Americans to play at BSU and we expect Willard to be the fourth." Crews will play the forward/center position on the University team.
During his stint at Tennessee playing for the Volunteers, Crews played in 61 games over two seasons (2006-2007 and 2007-2008), starting 20 of those games. The Hampton, Va. native was named to the Southeastern Conference (SEC) All-Freshman Team, started 18 games, led the team with 32 blocks and a 51.8 field goal percentage, ranked second on the team with 5.1 rebounds per game and was fifth in scoring (8.4 per game).
As a junior at Bethel High School, Crews shot 70 percent from the field, averaging 19 points per game and led the Bruins to a 22-4 record and the 2005 Eastern Region quarterfinals. During his senior campaign, Crews led Bethel to a 27-1 record and guided the team to a regional and district championship while averaging 21 points and 13 rebounds. Rivals.com rated Crews a five-star prospect and No. 26 player overall. Some of his other accolades include being rated the No. 2 player at the 2005 Nike Camp in Indianapolis, No. 14 player in the country by HoopScoopOnline.com, third team selection to the 50th annual Parade All-American high school boys basketball team and 2006 Associated Press All-State Group AAA first team selection.
In addition to Bowie State, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and the University of Pittsburgh heavily recruited Crews. His decision to attend BSU was influenced by the basketball legacy of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the university conference organization for 10 HBCUs. He expressed being very comfortable with the players and the University.
"The CIAA welcomes Crews to the conference," says Commissioner Kerry. "The CIAA is a legendary conference with pioneers like John McClendon, Big House Gaines and Earl Monroe. This is a great opportunity for a young, talented player like Crews to be a part of that history. We have great expectations for Crews and value that he offers to both BSU and the CIAA."
Posted By: Kenyana Madison
Tuesday, July 22nd 2008 at 11:40AM
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