The 2011 season hasn't even started yet. That hasn't kept sophomore forward Javon McCrea out of the spotlight.
McCrea earned national recognition on Tuesday when he was listed on CBSsports.com's top 100 college basketball players in the nation. The list was compiled by four of the website's college basketball writers. McCrea ranked 91st, the highest out of the two Mid-American Conference players mentioned.
"I think it's a great honor, people are recognizing how hard I work," McCrea said. "I just think I should be ranked a little bit higher [on the list]."
McCrea's acclaim spurs from the impressive numbers he racked up during his freshman year. The Newark, NY native averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last season. He was also just four shots away from getting the highest field-goal percentage in the country, finishing at 63.1 percent. His numbers were good enough for an honorable mention nod to the All-MAC team.
McCrea did all of this while averaging only 21 minutes off the bench, which spurred the interest of college sports experts.
"McCrea could be on his way to being the next dominant mid-major player," said Matt Norlander of CBSSports.com said in a report. "If he doesn't make a huge leap this year, it will come next year."
McCrea thinks that the leap will come sooner rather than later.
"It's definitely going to be this year," McCrea said. "I think I've got a lot to prove, but we are going to do big things this year, I can already see it in practice."
McCrea spent the summer with the USA basketball men's Under-19 team. After a strong showing, he was the final player cut from the squad.
The All-MAC candidate attributes his increase in popularity to his stint with the team.
"I think being at the USA Basketball [camp] got me out there," McCrea said. "Playing good [in Colorado] and making it all the way to the last cut got my name out to the nation."
This isn't the only honor McCrea earned this off-season. SportsIllustrated.com already projected him as one of five sophomores to have a breakout season in 2011.
The recognition has made McCrea the face of the Bulls, which is something he thinks is good for the program.
"It gets our name out there," McCrea said. "When you say Javon McCrea you're also recognizing Buffalo. Anytime you mention me you're talking about Buffalo."
McCrea has big goals on the horizon for not only himself, but the entire men's basketball team, as they look to improve upon their 20-14 record from last season. When asked about what fans could expect this season, his answer was simple, "winning the MAC Championship."
Those eager to watch McCrea play won't have to wait much longer, as the Bulls will start their season at home on Nov. 11 against St. Peters. If the projections are correct, fans can expect to see a lot of No. 12 this season.
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Photo: Courtesy of UB Athletics
