For the second time in two weeks, a local Memphis prep-star has chosen to stay in the city of Memphis for his collegiate career, giving a verbal commitment to the University of Memphis. Chris Crawford, a 6’4” shooting guard of Sheffield High School, announced today at a press conference at his high school gym that he intends to play next year for Tigers’ head coach Josh Pastner. Crawford’s verbal commitment is the fourth verbal commitment for Memphis’ 2010 class.
“I am going to take my game to the next level at…” Crawford said, right before putting on the Memphis hat. “I’ll tell you the truth,” Crawford continued, “my dream was to go to UT but it was not my kind of vibe. Tennessee wasn’t for me. It wasn’t my kind of vibe… The only thing that clicked with me was winning a national championship.”
A gritty guard who has the ability to stretch defenses out to 25-feet, Crawford made his name this past July evaluation period by knocking down big shot after big shot in Las Vegas, helping the Memphis Magic Elite win an AAU National Championship. Last April, Memphis Roar had a chance to catch up with Crawford before his stock shot up. Even going back to that interview, the writing was on the wall that Memphis was on his mind.
When asked if Josh Pastner’s new “inside-out recruiting approach” would change his perspective on the University of Memphis, Crawford replied, “Yeah, it does but it really doesn’t matter that much. I have wanted to come to Memphis anyway. They’ve always been my top choice.”
Click here to view photos from Crawford's press conference
With Crawford’s commitment, the Tigers now have four commitments for the 2010 recruiting class, joining Joe Jackson, Will Barton and Antonio Barton. The Tigers have a bevy of playing time available in backcourt next year and will likely look to fill three to four more spots in this class. An obvious need for those remaining spots would be big-men and their is a potential of having room for a few more guards.
Speaking specifically about Crawford, he adds a crucial key to the roster for the 2010-2011 season due to his dead-eye shooting ability. While speaking with Nashville Celtics’ head coach Charles Clark last week, he said of Crawford, “He pulled up from the volleyball line, in rhythm and knocks it down, nothing but net and I looked over at their coach like, ‘What in the world can you do about that?’. He is one of the best shooters I saw this summer and he was the best player on the court at some points in Vegas.”
Here is Clark Merriam’s scouting report of Chris Crawford from this past July at the River City Showdown:
A silent but deadly threat for the Memphis Magic Elite squad, Crawford possesses as excellent long-range shot and, when he is hot, not even a blindfold could stop him from hitting from deep. Crawford’s role on the Magic did not ask him to penetrate and score, but Crawford did show flashes of good athletic ability. One thing to note is that Crawford is also an excellent passer. A high percentage of transition baskets by the Magic were initiated by an excellent Crawford pass. Crawford is also a good rebounder.
Crawford likes to compare himself to former Davidson sharp-shooter Steph Curry.
ESPN Evaluation of Chris Crawford
Grade 92:
August, 2009: Crawford was a relative unknown outside of the south until he hit big shot after big shot at the Adidas Super 64. He has that prototypical 2-guard frame (broad shoulders and long arms) that college coaches covet and his athleticism is solid as well. He isn’t a high-flyer, but he does have a deceptive burst in transition and has a knack of getting to the basket. He excels in transition and his jump shot is prolific from anywhere on the court. He can spot-up on the break and bury his shot out to 23-feet or nail the mid-range pull-up. He’ll need to continue to develop his mid-range game, particularly his handle, but he is a gamer.
An interesting side story to Crawford’s commitment to the University of Memphis is who he did not choose. Once again, the University of Tennessee and Bruce Pearl have recruited the city of Memphis without garnering a commitment. Adding Crawford to a now long list of “whiffs,” it is very likely that the Volunteers’ staff will become much more selective about who they do and do not recruit within Shelby County.
Video from the River City Showdown
Chris Crawford from our Picture Gallery
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