Creppie Heads From MEAC to Big West

Ron Bailey, Publisher

September 14, 2006 – Michael Creppie Jr.’s departure from Baltimore’s Coppin State University is complete. The 6’2”, 185lb guard from Montgomery County, MD is headed to the Left Coast, where he will become a University of California – Riverside (UCR) Highlander.

“I’m leaving in a few days” said Creppie several days ago, of his departure for UCR - an institution that went 5-23 last year and plays in the Big West conference. “School doesn’t start until the 27th, but I’m going out there to work out” and prepare for the season, he shared.

Highlander fans can expect Michael Creppie to provide scoring, defense, and energy, in the context of the team. He's a self-described "system guard".

Adding to the necessity of arriving at UCR before many of his future teammates is Creppie’s immediate eligibility to compete, and the Highlander’s coach, David Spencer’s plan for him. “What I heard from the coach” Michael said, “after he saw my game tape, is I would be a big part of the offense”.

Michael’s skill set, includes the ability to play both guard positions on the offensive side of the floor, defend his man inside and out, as well as play gutsy, inspired ball. During this year’s Jabbo Kenner League – Washington, DC’s preeminent college summer league – Creppie constantly displayed all of the above.

After a hotly contested game against the league’s team populated by new and returning Georgetown Hoyas, Creppie’s summer league coach, Clarence Wallerson, gushed about what Michael supplied the team. “Michael Creppie Jr., played inspired basketball” shared Wallerson at the time. “His defense, scoring, and aggression gave us a chance to win” against a bigger, and ostensibly more talented team. “He’s the prototypical student athlete”.

Being both student and athlete, Michael has sufficient academic credentials to enable walking on at UCR.

Creppie, a 2004 graduate of Blake High School not only can immediately play, but has received his 5th year of eligibility, due to extensive injuries last year at Coppin. Consequently, he has three years to play at UCR. As of this time, Creppie has not decided upon a major.

Congratulations go out to Michael. Check back with i95Ballerz.com for future updates.