by Natalie Sehn Weber
May 17, 2012
(Natalie Sehn Weber/Courier)
Basketball Lancer Givon Crump, 22, has signed with CSU Fullerton’s NCAA Division 1 basketball team, according to Coach Mike Swanegan.
A four-year scholarship is included in the deal, according to Sports Information Specialist Robert Lewis.
During his single semester at PCC, Crump placed seventh in the state for scores and assisted the Lancers towards second place in the SCC North Division, Lewis said.
Crump was the team leader in points and rebounds, scoring 20 a game and grabbing 7.4 boards. Crump also showed off his range by shooting 37% from behind the arc.
For those unfamiliar with basketball terminology, Crump’s position, small forward, sounds incompatible with his 6-foot-7 frame. However, it corresponds well with his athletic skills.
“The small forward position shoots, dribbles and rebounds…whatever is needed to help the team win,” Crump said.
Although Crump traveled to Hawaii and Utah to explore other colleges’ offers, he said Fullerton’s head coach, the team’s record and its players influenced his decision.
“Coach Bob Burton has been out to see me play and I’ve [watched the Titans] play quite a few times this season, so we have a great relationship,” Crump said.
“[The Titans] finished second in conference last season and have a lot of returning talent,” he said. “I think we can build on that last season and hopefully win the big West conference.”
As a freshman, Crump played for Bailey University and Fresno State, and was then recruited by Coach Swanegan to play with the Lancers.
A communications major, Crump plans to continue training in radio and television production at CSU Fullerton and is considering a career as a radio host.
Crump’s taste for basketball can be traced back to his youth in Washington D.C.
“Growing up, my friends and I used to [to play basketball] at the park all the time,” he said. “I developed a love for the game.”
Crump said an additional influence was his father, who is an Athletic Amateur Union coach for the Arizona Magic Basketball Club.
When asked if his father pleased about Crump’s signing with the Titans, he smiled.
“Definitely,” Crump said.
This article originally appeared in PCC Courier: Basketball Star Signs with Division 1 School | Courier.