Crawford's presence will be missed
James Mason
Issue date: 4/6/07 Section: Sports
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For four years Chaz Crawford was Drexel's stalwart presence in the middle. The rail-thin Crawford was the muscle behind Bruiser Flint's defensive minded teams. Second in Drexel history in blocks with 318, Crawford has been feared by opponents and honored for his efforts. In conference, Chaz was a three-time member of the CAA All-Defensive Team. This year, he earned Defensive Player of the Year honors.
On a mid-major level, he's twice been named to the Defensive All-American team. This season, however, Chaz received an even higher honor. Crawford was named Collegeinsider.com's mid-major Defensive Player of the Year. The culmination of a great career, for once Drexel basketball received some much deserved respect.
For Drexel fans, this has to be a bittersweet accomplishment for Crawford and the program. Fans of the program should be happy for Crawford, who has grown a lot in his four years at Drexel. He has become a fan favorite for his hard work on the defensive end and on the glass. However, this award is also another reminder that Crawford isn't coming back next year. Perhaps, that award will be a symbolic end to an era.
Crawford, Bashir Mason, and Dominic Mejia have been the face of the team for the past few years. Crawford and Mason have been regulars on the conference's All-Defensive teams, and were two of the best defenders in the country throughout their careers here in University City. Mejia was a streak shooter with a silky jump shot and he could turn the course of the game with just one shot.
This trio in particular represented the potential of the program in their years here. Watching them play and grow together, NCAA tournament dreams began to grow each year. As the team had their magical run in last season's preseason NIT, with near victories over national powers Duke and UCLA, it became clear to some that this year would be special. Despite the disappointing ending, this season was special. Even though this team was screwed out of the tournament, the Dragon's core proved that Drexel could put a team on the floor that could play with anybody in the country.
On a mid-major level, he's twice been named to the Defensive All-American team. This season, however, Chaz received an even higher honor. Crawford was named Collegeinsider.com's mid-major Defensive Player of the Year. The culmination of a great career, for once Drexel basketball received some much deserved respect.
For Drexel fans, this has to be a bittersweet accomplishment for Crawford and the program. Fans of the program should be happy for Crawford, who has grown a lot in his four years at Drexel. He has become a fan favorite for his hard work on the defensive end and on the glass. However, this award is also another reminder that Crawford isn't coming back next year. Perhaps, that award will be a symbolic end to an era.
Crawford, Bashir Mason, and Dominic Mejia have been the face of the team for the past few years. Crawford and Mason have been regulars on the conference's All-Defensive teams, and were two of the best defenders in the country throughout their careers here in University City. Mejia was a streak shooter with a silky jump shot and he could turn the course of the game with just one shot.
This trio in particular represented the potential of the program in their years here. Watching them play and grow together, NCAA tournament dreams began to grow each year. As the team had their magical run in last season's preseason NIT, with near victories over national powers Duke and UCLA, it became clear to some that this year would be special. Despite the disappointing ending, this season was special. Even though this team was screwed out of the tournament, the Dragon's core proved that Drexel could put a team on the floor that could play with anybody in the country.
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