It took a while, but Queens products Sean Crawford and Vernon Teel have finally found Division I programs, choosing Fairfield and Loyola Marymount, respectively.
Crawford, the former Cardozo star who spent his first two years at Holy Cross, signed a letter of intent to the Connecticut school from the MAAC.
Finishing up his second year at Notre Dame Prep, he saw his profile increase after averaging 12 points and seven assists. He morphed into a pass-first point guard at the Fitchburg, MA school, and developed his on-the-ball defensive prowess.
“It’s been too long,” Crawford said. “This moment finally came.”
Crawford chose Fairfield over St. Francis College of Brooklyn, who finished as a close second, Drake, Wichita State and LaSalle. The Northeast Conference school’s close proximity to his Laurelton home was tough to turn down, and the 6-foot guard grew close to Coach Brian Nash, but the Stags, Crawford said, were the perfect fit.
“Just everything, the school, it’s not too big, not too small, still close to home, the coaching staff, and I just felt it was a great opportunity and a great fit for me,” he said. “I was worried about this choice. It is going to affect me for the rest of my life. I’m happy to get it over with.”
The 6-foot-2 Teel, 20, meanwhile, had an even longer journey. After starring at Flushing, the Jamaica guard attended two prep schools, one Division I college, and two more junior colleges, including Chippola Community College in Florida, where he averaged eight points per game this past season, before landing in the West Coast Conference.
In other news, James Southerland of Floral Park, another former Cardozo standout and current Notre Dame Prep student, said he is set academically and will attend Syracuse this fall. He will be on their campus soon for summer classes.
