B’More Blur to Bless Towson

Ron Bailey, Publisher

October 16, 2007 – Yesterday afternoon at Our Lady of Mount Carmel High School (Baltimore, MD), Towson University and its coach, Pat Kennedy, received some strikingly good news, as none other than Troy ‘The Baltimore Blur’ Franklin, Jr. revealed his plans to attend that school next year. Franklin, a 5’10”, 165 pound lightening quick senior scoring point guard notified the public of his decision via news conference, in which friends and family were present.

After thanking a myriad of individuals, including his father Troy Franklin Sr., mother Patricia Franklin-Street, Mt. Carmel officials including head coach Tom Rose, Baltimore Stars (AAU) coaches, family, friends, and teammates, the younger Troy went on to establish Towson as his future college home.

Troy Franklin, Jr. (second from right), with (left to right), his grandmother, step-mother, father, and mother. Teammate MarcAnthony Franks mans the back row.

The hometown Tigers bested Central Florida, George Mason, St. Bonaventure, Toledo, Tulane and others because, as Troy later stated, they were the best fit academically, and athletically. That assessment was echoed by his father, who added despite his son feeling comfortable during all his ‘open gym’ runs and visits at the various schools, “There is no question Towson was the best fit. People at the top came down and talked to us, and were genuine. Troy loved it”.

Additionally, the younger Franklin noted “Coach P.K. (Pat Kennedy) is great”, while his dad shared Towson’s up tempo style will fit his son’s skill set, which includes the ability to get to the hole, shoot long pull up shots, and constantly pressure defenses with his aggressive overall playing style. It is also believed while at Towson, Troy, Jr. will be able to blend traditional point guard functions into his high-octane game, as the team possesses a number of athletic big men and guards capable of finishing in the half court and during transition.

His impressive skills have allowed Franklin, Jr. to be a two time Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) All-Conference selection, team MVP honors for 2006-2007, drop averages of 14.9 points, four assists, and two steals per game, all while helping lead the team to a 43-19 record through last season.

Rose, Mount Carmel’s coach, is extremely proud of his young player. “He’s been a big part of our program” noted the coach, of Franklin’s impact since transferring to the MIAA ‘B’ Conference school two years ago. “He’s a part of a five man rotation…This group really represents the growth of the program”.

When asked if Franklin, who will surely lead the Cougars once again, is one of the most explosive and talented guards in Maryland, Rose smiled, before simply responding “I haven’t seen anyone who has the speed and explosion he has”.

The young Franklin, despite lauding many in his development, highlighted one man in particular for making him the player he is, his father. “This guy would wake me up and work me out” said the son of his dad. “He has always pushed me, helped me”, which started at the age of seven when competitive, national level basketball was first engaged in Baltimore’s Madison Square Garden youth program, continued Lil’ Troy.

A big congratulatory shout out goes to the Blur, his dad, mother, stepmother, coaches, and everyone who has helped him in any way: Troy is on the precipice of big things at Towson University. Not only is his family, but the larger Baltimore community is lucky to witness his talents for another four years.