Javon McCrea Looks to Close Out His Career by Making History
3/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
BUFFALO, NY - Javon McCrea's mission upon joining the University at Buffalo basketball program was to leave a legacy.
He has done just that.
Coming from a small school in Newark, NY, the senior forward has outplayed the expectations of many.
McCrea, who won MAC Freshman of the Year in 2011, considered the favorite to win MAC Player of the Year at season's end, and now the all-time leading scorer in school history, cannot say he is fully satisfied though.
"I feel like I am leaving a legacy here but the job's not done until we win a MAC Championship for the school," said McCrea. "One of my goals was to be the all-time leading scorer and have my name remembered in UB basketball history. That was a big goal for me this season but not the ultimate."
McCrea's ambition to be the best started at an early age when he was mentored by Syracuse basketball legend John Wallace.
"As a player, John Wallace really developed my game, on the block and in the post. He got me in tune with my footwork and things like that during AAU," said McCrea. "Wallace is a big reason I've been so successful in college. He told me going in there were going to be a lot of distractions, a lot of ups and downs, you have to prevail through them to be great."
Wallace's early direction paid off during McCrea's senior season of high school, as he and his Newark Reds teammates made it all the way to the Class A New York State Public High School Championship before losing to Jamesville-DeWitt.
Although the loss was hard on McCrea, the experience of making a playoff run has stuck with him throughout his college career.
"It was great, we weren't even supposed to win sectionals that year," said McCrea. "To end up going all the way to the state championship was amazing. I can look back to those moments and say anything is possible."
McCrea has yet to duplicate his postseason success at UB, but is confident this year will be different.
"My expectations going into the MAC Tournament have always been to win the whole thing," said McCrea. "I've always wanted to play in the NCAA Tournament, that's the first step."
As a senior, McCrea knows he will be asked to lead his team through the tournament, a challenge he embraces.
"I want to be a vocal leader out there, make sure guys aren't so stressed out, put the stress on me if you feel like it," said McCrea. "My teammates have been responding to my role great lately, our success has really made it easy."
McCrea credits much of that success to first year head coach Bobby Hurley.
"He's really helped with my confidence on the court. I'm much more comfortable out there especially with my jump shot."
That confidence has shown through not only to those who follow the Mid-American Conference.
McCrea's name has been brought up as a possible draft pick in this year's NBA Draft.
"The dream has always been to get drafted into the NBA. It would be a great moment for my family and the school," said McCrea. "I think this year has shown how selfless I can play, to always put the team first, my goal is to be a great teammate."
Those skills will be on display starting next week, as the team travels to Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland for the MAC Tournament.
For McCrea, it's the final chapter of a great career, the chance to solidify the legacy he has crafted and to leave a lasting impact on the school.
"To win one for the school would mean a lot," said McCrea. "I feel like it's a big family, to win it for them is something I'd never forget."
McCrea will be one of five seniors honored prior to Saturday's final regular season home game against Bowling Green at Alumni Arena. Tipoff is slated for 2:30 pm following the conclusion of the UB women's basketball games against Kent State.
- Written by Sean Brock
