NCAA Under the Radar: Javon McCrea, Buffalo Bulls

Nov 10, 2012; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bulls forward Javon McCrea (12) during the second half against the Princeton Tigers at the Alumni Arena. Princeton beat Buffalo 57-53. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Position: Forward
Class: Senior
Height: 6’7″
Weight: 250 pounds
NBA Comparison: Brandon Bass, Boston Celtics

When it comes to stuffing the stat sheet, there aren’t many players who have done as good of a job as Buffalo Bulls senior Javon McCrea. He isn’t the most decorated player in the country, but McCrea is rapidly developing into one of the most well-rounded athletes you’ll see throughout college basketball.

One look at his stat sheet provides evidence to that.

McCrea is currently averaging 16.8 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.7 blocks and 1.3 steals on 57.9 percent shooting from the field. For those who think those numbers are due to a limited sample size, think again. He averaged 18.0 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 2.6 blocks and 1.3 steals on 55.7 percent shooting during the 2012-13 season.

If you’re looking for an NBA upside comparison, it’s Brandon Bass of the Boston Celtics.

Like Bass, McCrea is a powerful player who uses his strength and build to overcome his lack of ideal size for the power forward position. He finishes well around the basket, crashes the boards at a quality level and can provide quality defense with his tenacious approach.

Regardless of what transpires with his NBA career, McCrea is a player that you need to watch before his college career is over with.

Draft Stock: Undrafted

At this point of the 2013-14 college basketball season, McCrea’s draft stock is limited, at best. He has the look of a college basketball star who’s destined to head overseas as an international player. but that doesn’t make him any less significant of a collegiate star.

McCrea can be an offensive force as a power-player down low, and he’s made strides as a jump shooter since his career first began. Defensively, he compensates for his lack of ideal size by playing his man physically and using his body well to keep his opponent from scoring out of the post.

McCrea will likely find himself in a similar position as Jackie Carmichael in 2013. He’ll be in a position to earn a Summer League invite, and there’s no reason to believe that the Buffalo star will do anything but shine during post-season workouts. Until then, he’ll be tasked with consistently playing at a high level and helping to lead Buffalo to a successful season and a potential NCAA Tournament berth.

One can only hope that McCrea finds his way into the spotlight.