Junior Marqus Crawford leads the Bulldogs in scoring, averaging
19 points per game.
Morgan Hill – Up until three years ago Marqus Crawford wasn’t a basketball player. Since the 5-foot-11, Sobrato junior was 8 years old he trained extensively in the martial art of Tae Kwon Do, earning a second degree black belt and traveled around the country competing in the Junior Olympics and is a five time state champion and five time national champion.
“Tae Kwon Do keeps you active and in shape,” explained Marqus. “It also focuses on self-defense.”
Upon entering high school, Marqus scaled back his training in Tae Kwon Do to explore other athletics. He participated in football, baseball and tennis, but didn’t get attached or passionate about any of those sports. Then he discovered basketball.
“It’s a fun, competitive sport. It is different than Tae Kwon Do and a lot of my family plays basketball,” said Marqus.
Marqus’ dad, Sobrato head coach Lawrence Crawford, taught him how to play the game of basketball and he took to it like a fish to water. This season Marqus is the Bulldogs’ leading shooter in points scored and ranks in the Central Coast Section top ten in three categories; average points per games, steals and total points.
“I’m a little surprised at how well I’ve done,” said Marqus. “I am working hard at it and having been playing club basketball with AAU.”
Marqus doesn’t mind having his dad as his coach, but says Lawrence is extra hard on him.
“I’m always conscious that he’s my son and that there might be some perceived favoritism,” said Lawrence. “When he’s in the gym he gives it 100 percent all the time.”
Marqus added, “I know he knows what he’s talking about. He’s coached at different levels and I know he’s doing it for my best interest.”
Basketball is now a major part of Marqus’ life and most of his time is devoted to playing or practicing. He still spends one day per work training in Tae Kwon Do, but basketball has definitely become a first priority.
“Normally those are the only two things I do,” said Marqus, who maintains a 3.0 gpa. “I get home, eat, go to tutoring center, go to practice and then back home for more homework.”
When he does get a spare moment for himself, Marqus enjoys playing basketball, hanging out with his friends, listening to R&B or hip hop, playing the ESPN 2K6 video game or going to see action or comedy movies.
He is very laid-back, easy to talk to and quick to smile.
When asked what professionals he tries to style his game after, Marqus replied, “I try to have my own game. I try to be different. I think that shooting is the strongest part of my game and I work on it a lot.”
Marqus would like to continue playing basketball at the college level and hopes to get a 4-year scholarship to play. Although he hasn’t been approached by any recruiters yet, Lawrence said he plans on marketing Marqus and teammate Mubarik Abdullahi to schools.
“I’ll go where ever if somebody gives me a full-ride,” said Marqus, who thinks he would like to major in Business because it is something he is interested in and he thinks it would be something he is good at.
As far as this season with the Bulldogs, Marqus is encouraged and optimistic at where his team is headed.
“It’s going pretty good so far,” Marqus said of the season. “We’re young and kind of small, but we bring energy, intensity and motivation. I’d like to see overall team improvement by the end of the season and see all of our players get better. Our goal is to make it to CCS. To do that we’re going to have to work hard and be dedicated.”
So far this season Marqus is definitely doing his part to help the Bulldogs reach the CCS. Marqus is averaging 19 points per game ranks eighth in the CCS in steals and ninth in total points.
“He does it all for us,” said Lawrence. “He’s his own person, he’s real confident and he’s a fun loving, respectful kid. I hear comments from adult all the time about how respectful he is, it makes you real proud as a parent.”
Marqus and his teammates host Terra Nova tonight for their final preseason game before league action starts and there is no doubt Marqus will be leaving everything he has on the court for the Bulldogs.
