Published: September 13, 2008 12:49 am      

Cruz verbally commits to EKU

RICHMOND — For Willie Cruz, coming to Eastern Kentucky University will not only help him, but it’s going to help his entire family.

“My number-one priority is academics,” Cruz said. “Getting a full-ride scholarship is great for my mom and will help her out in the long run.”

Cruz was in Richmond last week for his first official visit. The 6-foot-4 combo guard is from L’Anse Creuse High School, which is just outside of Detroit, Mich. Last year during his junior year, he averaged 21 points, eight rebounds, three assists and two steals per game on his way to being named an all-conference player and second-team all-area, his coach John Haas said.

He verbally committed to EKU earlier this week.

“He does just about everything very well,” Haas said. “He’s going to be able to bring the ball up, shoot the three, create shots for himself and other people off the dribble. He’ll back you down and post up in the block but he’s going to play tough ball defense. He rebounds the ball very, very well.”

Cruz’s career-high is 33 points and Haas said there was a game where he hit six threes. He said Cruz was a different breed than most of the kids he has coached.

“I think the biggest thing about Willie that separates him from other players and from any player I’ve ever coached is his ability to score in the last six minutes of the game when the game is on the line,” he said. “When the game matters, it’s a whole new game to him. All he wants to do is win and he’ll do whatever it takes.”

Cruz, who was compared to Boston Celtics’ standout Paul Pierce by his coach, said he considered Lehigh, Drake, Samford, the Citadel and St. Francis before deciding on EKU.

“When I came down to visit, I fell in love with EKU,” he said. “The coaching staff, just in the few visits we’ve had together was exactly like I had imagined. They were great. The players were great. I had an overall great experience.”

Overall, Cruz said he just hopes to continue the bonds he developed while he was here and wants to keep it up on the court.

“Basketball is my love and my passion,” he said. “When I came down to EKU, I had a great time. In Kentucky, basketball is a big part of life. I think I’ll be able to have the time of my life and enjoy these next four years.”