What ever happened to that guy? Duke Crews edition

The 11-5 Tennessee Volunteers are in obvious need of leadership and veteran demeanor on the court, at times.  Even though you love the fire and gusto that comes with JR Wayne Chism on the court, you also get his overly emotional reaction and weekly disappearing acts.  I keep waiting on Tyler Smith to get in a face… but the more I watch him, the more I see his lead-by-example mentality come out.  Which is a solid trait, don’t get me wrong, but this team needs a rough and tumble vocal leader.

The 31-5 version of a year ago had those guys, along with a tougher sense of hustle and come-to-beat-you.  One graduated (JuJuan Smith) and two were dismissed.

Duke Crews and Ramar Smith, only days after the season ending Sweet 16 loss to Louisville were sent packing for, what most agree, was a 4th failed drug test and lacking academic effort.  So what happened to them?

Media guide picture courtesy bsubulldogs.com

Let’s take a look at Duke Crews today.

Originally he had mentioned wanting to transfer to UNC-Charlotte and NC State.  Neither of those panned out and he ended up at D-II Bowie State, former home of “Big Ant” Anthony Ivory.  After some early-season questions as to Crews’ eligibility were answered, he joined a 3-6 team that has gone 5-1 since his arrival.

He’s playing in front of smaller crowds, but CIAA fans are every bit as knowledgeable and rabid as any in the nation. Crews is responded by averaging 18.2 points and 8.6 rebounds per game for the 9-6 Bulldogs. “It’s a different type of atmosphere (in the CIAA),” Crews says. “You’ve got the band; you got the dance line and the cheerleaders. You get to interact with the fans more.

Crews, who dropped 25 and 12 last week against Johnson Smith College, appears to recognize the second chance he was given and is looking forward to the CIAA tournament.  “The sky’s the limit,” he says.

 The Bulldogs were picked to win the CIAA East at the beginning of the season.

Stay tuned for a future installment regarding Ramar Smith and his attempt at overseas professional glory.  Any information on Ramar Smith’s current whereabouts can be emailed to apiasdotnet (at) yahoo.com

[Black Voices] [STF]