Strowbridge finds comfort at Jacksonville State

Ivan McDowell, Southeast/Mid South Editor

June 5, 2008 - Former Sparkman High guard Jay-R Strowbridge has returned to Alabama after deciding to leave the University of Nebraska and continue his college education at nearby Jacksonville State University.

In his first two years in Lincoln, Jay-R averaged close to five points, a rebound and an assist per game. Strowbridge was one of the teams’ top three-point marksmen, shooting slightly under 40% from beyond the arc.

Strowbridge, in a phone interview on his return trip from signing Jacksonville State’s scholarship papers with the Gamecocks, cited his desire to play closer to home as the main reason for leaving Doc Sadler’s Cornhuskers after his sophomore campaign.

“I just wasn’t very happy being so far away from home,” lamented the 5-foot-11 point guard.

“I felt it was time to move on to a better situation for myself.”

The opportunity for his family to see him play weighed heavily in his decision to transfer, as well as, the change in coaches from his freshman to sophomore years. He started 13-of-29 contests while averaging 3.9 points and 2.1 assists per game, and ended his rookie campaign as the most accurate freshman 3-point shooter in school history.

Under Doc Sadler, Jay-R saw his time limited and his production drop in his sophomore year. Strowbridge says he’d like the opportunity to showcase his game a lot more at his new school.

Strowbridge's impressive physical ability helped him to quickly integrate into Nebraska’s defensive schemes. Strowbridge provided strong pressure on defense, especially when matched against the opponent's top playmakers.

Offensively he was just as effective, hitting 40.9 percent (36-of-88) from the floor, including a team-leading 46.3 percent (25-of-54) from 3-point range. Strowbridge's 3-point percentage was a Nebraska freshman record and ranked as the third-best 3-point percentage in school history.

“Playing in the Big 12 really paid dividends for me because I know that I can compete at the highest level. That will bode well for whatever school I chose next,” commented Jay-R, who has two years of eligibility remaining.
“It’s not about facilities or who can offer me the most; it’s really come down to where I feel the most comfortable. A place where I can be at peace.”

The schools that were vying for Strowbridge’s services at this time are Alabama A&M, Middle Tennessee State, Jacksonville State and South Alabama. A&M, MTSU and JSU all had offers on the table. He recently played pick up ball on A&M’s Normal, AL campus and tripped to Jacksonville State two weeks ago and Middle Tennessee last week.

“I originally contemplated waiting, but after thinking about it further, I just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible.

“I’m happy with my decision.”