April 18, 2008
Double E is the total package
So often when speaking of sports competitors, we bifurcate them into the brains versus brawn branches as if these qualities are opposing forces and mutually exclusive. It makes for an easily drawn panorama, the mental against the physical. But that’s not always the case and actually isn’t most of the time since gray, rather than black and white, overshadows most sporting clashes as it does in life.
Such an introduction brings us to Edric Egberuare, a 6-foot-2, 175 pound senior backcourter at Milpitas High. Egberuare defines the prototype of the student-athlete, simultaneously sporting a 3.4 grade point average, along with an SAT score of 1260, while being a college basketball prospect.
The speedy Egberuare shows his ability to get to the rack against Los Gatos
This is no surprise coming from a family of both athletes -- primarily track -- and college graduates, one with priorities in order. "Education is a big thing in my family and everyone has to do well and graduate," according to Egberuare.
His compilation of work in both the classroom and on the court has drawn the attention of Boston University, The Citadel and William & Mary and he has already visited Division III powerhouse Puget Sound. The latter has won three league titles in the past four seasons, along with three Sweet 16 and one Elite Eight appearances while boasting a collective team grade point average of 3.25.
The most important factor in Egberuare’s eventual decision where to attend college will be the quality of education that is offered. He’s looking at majoring in the business marketing/sports administration field saying "something eventually with Nike or Adidas would be wonderful." But he added, "I would also love to coach too."
His preference for a basketball program is one with the opportunity to win and he would like to play for a coach whose focuse includes working to improve his players.
Egberuare also comes off as extremely well-grounded. When asked what he imagines as the biggest adjustments in making the transition from prep to college basketball, he responded, "Learning the role you are going to play and getting used to coming off the bench." Spoken like a coach-in-waiting.
But basketball wasn’t always Egberuare’s only sports love. "I played baseball, track and varsity football at various times in high school but basketball won out," Egberaure said. It was the sport he enjoyed the most both playing and watching as a youngster.
His first affiliation with hoops began way back in the first grade, followed by putting in time in recreation leagues, National Junior Basketball and club team ball with the West Valley Basketball Club (WVBC), besides his high school play. It was a call from an assistant coach at Colorado State while a sophomore that initiated his entry into the world of college basketball recruiting.
Besides the solid academics, what has drawn the interest of college hoops programs are "my best skills being quickness off the dribble and getting to the rack," said Egberuare. He’s working daily to improve the consistency with his three-point shooting.
WVBC coach Al Grigsby, the former Cal player, concurs with Egberuare’s self-assessment. "Edric has one of the quickest crossovers I have ever seen as a player or coach," said Grigsby.
Bob Bramlett, the founder of WVBC, chimes in with "I have been around players as a coach since 1978 and I have only found perhaps one or two who can match Edric’s desire to become the best player he can. Edric plays basketball with a sense of urgency that will push him to success in anything that he does. He is always in the gym and not to recreate. He shows up wanting to get better -- he is never satisfied."
Egberuare will never be complacent but he’ll be gratified to join forces with a school known for its scholarly reputation and a successful basketball history.