Grant Emerges at Eastern Utah

Anthony Grant wasn't exactly an unknown commodity last winter as a senior at Franklin H.S. in Seatte, Wash.

Some Division I programs liked Grant, but not enough to pull the trigger and offer him a scholarship.

Fast forward to this year, where Grant is a freshman at the College of Eastern Utah in Price, Ut. Grant has been one of the top freshmen in a league typically dominated by sophomores -- the Scenic West Athletic Conference.

JUCO Junction caught up with Grant and his head coach at CEU, Bryan Zollinger, at last week's Region 18 Tournament in St. George, Ut.

Coach Zollinger told us that Grant has been looked at this winter by programs like Oklahoma, UNLV, Utah State and Colorado State. In fact, an assistant from CSU was in attendance for last week's Region 18 Tournament.

For whatever reason, Grant didn't have a good game shooting the ball in CEU's heartbreaking 81-79 overtime loss to Utah Valley. That said, he has been on of the Golden Eagles top shooters and scorers this season.

In fact, Grant averaged 16.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game for the Golden Eagles. He topped the team in scoring, shooting 42 percent from the floor and 39 percent from beyond the arc.

"Anthony needs to continue working on his strength and ball handling," Zollinger said. "He can really shoot the ball and is a very competitive player."

JUCO Junction liked the way that Grant moved without the basketball, and that he had enough confidence to keep shooting during the game even though his shot wasn't falling. He also showed that he can score off the dribble a bit, although Coach Zollinger pointed out that's still a facet of Grant's game that needs continued work.

Grant said that he is likely to leave CEU after this year and play three years on the Division I level. As a qualifier out of high school, he has the option to leave junior college after just one year.

JUCO Junction will keep you abreast of any new developments with Grant's situation, so stay tuned.