Following the acquisition of a full two-year scholarship to National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division 2 institution Barry University of Miami, Florida, national basketball player Akeem Crandon said he is grateful for the opportunity and is optimistic about his athletic career.
This was disclosed during an exclusive interview with Stabroek Sport yesterday. The former President’s College standout and Plaisance Guardians player received the athletic offer after attending a basketball showcase in April, where multiple offers were subsequently presented.
He averaged an impressive double-double of 13 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game during his tenure with ASA College. Crandon also won first-team all-region in his conference.
Asked about his thoughts on acquiring this scholarship, Crandon said, “I am extremely grateful for this scholarship to do what I love and pursue my education. I would definitely like to thank H.O.P.E (Help Our People Elevated) founded by Gordon James and Shawn James for helping me get my first opportunity at the junior college level at ASA. I definitely have put in the work since that opportunity and was able to move on to this level.”
He further stated, “This scholarship will be a full-ride scholarship and this was earned from a showcase I attended in April. During that showcase, I received multiple offers from schools around the USA but Barry University stood out to me because it is proven to excel in basketball and academics.”
Quizzed how important from an athletic standpoint was the acquisition of this scholarship, he disclosed, “Basketball has given me so much opportunity, and acquiring this full-ride scholarship is another step to greater things ahead. It is a blessing to be able to study for free and play basketball at this high level and something I will not take for granted. I will continue to put in the work on and off the court and use basketball as a tool for me to succeed in life.”
According to Crandon, “I am optimistic about my future with basketball, but I also know the importance of having my education from this. So my short-term goal is to acquire my bachelor’s degree. Long term, I know I have the talent and work ethic to play professionally. I have the right set of mentors around me in my HOPE foundation circle that can make that a possibility when that time comes and I will continue to work until that time comes.”
