Q and A: Crews has productive summer of hoops

The legendary Michael Jordan once said, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.”

Easley High School basketball standout Ethan Crews did the latter this past summer, playing for the EA Prep Stars (17U Adidas Gold). He played in 16 tournament games this summer as well as in some additional scrimmages.

All of this against some great competition.

The 6-foot-4 Crews has bulked up to 189 pounds and he just stays focused on one thing … trying to improve his game.

Crews continues to stay humble and he just works on his game each day. He just made the most of his summer of hoops.

Q: What was the competition like for you this summer?

CREWS: “It has been a great summer to this point. Very strong competition at all our tournaments. I have had the opportunity to play against some Elite teams with some great players and I have had the time of my life traveling across the country doing what I love. It’s crazy to simply see how much basketball has grown over the last 2-3 years. The talent is better now that we have ever seen. The opportunities are everywhere and those that take advantage of these offerings and opportunities are growing their game and skills at a pace never before seen. Players are bigger, stronger, faster with better equipment, training, nutrition, coaches, etc.”

Q: Can you talk about where your game is at right now and what the rest of the summer looks like for you?

CREWS: “My game is and always will be a continued work in progress. There is always something I can get better at. I feel my game and skills have grown a lot in the last few years, but I am always focused to get better, whether that’s working on my shooting, getting faster, stronger or just watching film so I can continue to improve all areas of my game both offensively and defensively.”

Q: You had a really young team last year at Easley High School and several of the varsity players went to the recent team camp. Where do you feel the team chemistry is at right now and is the fun part of it kicking in?

CREWS: “Currently we are in a good place. We have many talented players returning from last year as well as a few newcomers that will also contribute to the team with their skill-set and overall team-first mentality. I foresee a great season ahead of us as we begin our journey into 5A play this year. I am looking forward to EHS making some major waves in our league this season and I am grateful that I will get to be a leader of this team during my senior campaign.”

Q: Can you talk about the toughest team (or player) that you faced this summer?

CREWS: “I have seen and played many great players and teams so far this summer. It’s hard to name only a few as on our Adidas Circuit we saw some talented teams from all over the country but while in Anaheim, CA during our two West Coast visits we played teams Arizona Grassroots(AZ), SUSA(Utah), LA Select (CA) and Team Esface (CA) which all had some great talent and are all Adidas teams loaded with next level talent. Closer to home we played teams like Georgia Stars(EYBL), Atlanta Celtics, Team Wall and AJ Bouye Elite which are all top-10 programs in their respective states they represent. Overall it has been a great experience and our record of 12-4 isn’t too bad as well. I made some great friends that I will follow and hope to get the opportunity to play with or against at the next level wherever our basketball journey takes us.”

Q: What has your training consisted of this summer as far as lifting weights, shooting so many shots each day, etc.?

CREWS: “The short version is I work to have at least 300 makes (not shots) every day. Some days that number will increase to 500 makes a day depending on my time and other training commitments. I also work with our coaches in the weight room to build strength and have worked over the last few months to add close to 10 pounds to my frame. In saying that I also incorporate speed and agility work on my own and at PAP Sports in Greenville to ensure I continue to make steps to get faster and lighter on my feet while improving core strength and recovery.”