Creuse-ing with Cruz

In my short time as a high school sports reporter, I’ve come into contact with few more personable student-athletes than Harrison Township L’Anse Creuse senior Willie Cruz. Maybe the only people who don’t like him are the players assigned to guard him on the basketball court.

Cruz’s skill set on the court make him one of the most dangerous players around. And off it, his charisma could perhaps even captivate the player he just dropped 30 points on.
That’s why Eastern Kentucky University got lucky when Cruz signed his official National Letter of Intent back in the fall to attend the Richmond, Ky., based Division 1 Ohio Valley Conference school.

I recently caught up with Cruz, and even on crutches following a recent injury, he couldn’t hold back from smiling as he talked about continuing his playing career at the next level.

“To play Division 1 basketball has been my dream since I was young,” Cruz said. “And to get the opportunity to play at a school like Eastern Kentucky and have four years paid for, it’s great.”

Cruz drew the Colonels’ attention, along with plenty of other colleges, with his solid all-around play on the AAU circuit.

He said he was drawn to EKU because of their coaching staff and playing style. Cruz said the team utilizes a balanced offense, where all the players are looked on to score and play interchangeable parts. The guards are asked to play dual roles as ballhandlers and scorers —which suits a combo player such as Cruz.

“The way they play fits me perfect,” he said. “It’s up and down. There’s a lot of 3’s being shot, a lot of passing and unselfish play.”

Local hoops fans should try and catch Cruz in action once he returns from his injury (expected to be late January) and before he’s off to EKU. You don’t want to miss out on one of the premier talents, and people, in the Macomb Area Conference ... unless, of course, you have to guard him.