Forward Jordan McCoy has arguably the quickest vertical explosiveness on Florida Atlantic’s roster, and it shows in his ability to grab rebounds and lay the ball in before most players can even recover. A workhorse of a player, he truly is a coach’s best friend while willing to do all of the little things that help fill the gaps. Appearing in every game last season, McCoy posted 15.2 minutes and 4.0 points per game while enjoying a career high 13 points and eight rebound performance against Western Kentucky. He had flashes at other times as well, but says he needs to become a bit more versatile to take his game to the next level. “During the off season I made a concentrated effort to work on my mid range game, so when they come after me I can use my athleticism to get by some of the bigger slower big men who will be defending me.” Coach Mike Jarvis eluded to possibly redshirting McCoy earlier in the Spring if some things were to line up, but that will depend on a number of factors such as how other team mates are playing. In the meantime he want’s him to be patient with himself, and work his butt off. In particular, going to the left. And, given a unique trait, it shouldn’t be that much of a stretch for the sophomore. “I write with my left hand, however I play basketball and do everything else with my right hand.” McCoy recently sat down with us for “Up Close”. Fast Break What is your Favorite Book? ” The Bible ” What is your Favorite Movie? ” Coach Carter ” Who is your current off the court role model? “My parents, they have been a positive influence in my life, and they’re both successful.” How long have you been playing basketball? “Basically my whole life, since I was four(15 years). I had a feeling for it right away.” What are you most proud of? “Just being here, being a young male doing something positive with my life in College playing division one basketball.” What is your major? “I’m a business major, I haven’t declared a specific field.” What is your Faith? “Christian.” Set Plays Other than FAU, what schools did you consider? “If I didn’t come here I was going to go to Wofford. North Florida, Stetson, a lot of the schools in Florida.” What aspect of your game do you feel is your strength? “Just being active and using my athleticism – getting some rebounds and put backs.” What aspect of your game do you feel is your weakness? “Getting stronger and working on my left hand…so defenders can’t just play me one way.” Open Run Besides basketball, what brought you to FAU? “It’s a good school. I don’t think it gets the respect it deserves.” What do you want FAU fans to know about you personally? “Just that I am a hard worker and dedicated to FAU; not only the basketball program but the University as a whole. I’m not really a pet person. I had a dog when I was younger, a Great Dane…and he kind of terrorized me chasing me around.” What are your goals for the upcoming season? “In the classroom I want to do as well as I can and maintain an A/B average – definitely no C’s. I want the team to be successful, get better, win the conference, and go to the NCAA Tournament.” Coming Up Our next player is self described as “articulate and deep.”
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