"The Kid" Juan Cranford Jr Living A Dream; Opportunity Of a Lifetime As Wayne Grad Set To Play Tonight in First Four at Home
By Deon Cash
Juan Cranford Jr. was, quite simply, one of the most underrated players to play in all of Ohio HS sports last year.
The dynamic two-sport star was a beast on the football field, and a lot of people thought that maybe he would go play D-1 football and with good reason.
He was a stud on the defensive end for the respected Wayne Warriors football team and had a host of colleges clamoring for his services.
When asked in late February of last year what Cranford would do, his dad said it was still a "Up in the Air" decision that was still waiting to be processed.
After the hoop season ended, Cranford would get some interest from a small D-1 school in the Northeastern part of the country.
St Francis to be exact.
For Cranford, he didn't need to have a bunch of schools recruit him.
He just needed one.
Once St. Francis put the offer out, Cranford didn't hesitate, similar to how he shoots.
He would commit quickly, and the rest was history.
He wouldn't sign some huge NIL deal. St Francis doesn't even have that in their athletic program - yet.
While some naysayers said he should have went and been a star in college football, the Cranford family has always been a hoop first family.
Cranford is about 6'4", 230 and is built like a defensive end or a tight end. His dad was a hooper and could shoot the lights out.
So when Cranford got to St. Francis, he relied on his work ethic, his hunger, and his principles and values instilled in him by his family, his previous coaches, and himself.
Cranford would have a banner year, to say the least.
He would lead the team in scoring in the 2nd half of the season. He would become the Freshman of the Year in the conference.
And last, but not least, he would lead St. Francis back to the NCAA Tournament by leading the team in the NEC Championship game with his clutch play, his smooth demeanor, and his willingness to do whatever it takes to win.
While some takes Cranford quiet style as a slight, he is a absolute savage and beast when he gets on the court or between them lines.
He doesn't talk much, but in seeing him workout before the game, you could see a smile, a glow, that very few could have seen coming.
But if you knew Cranford, this is not a suprise.
Underrated, under the radar, low key, or whatever you want to call it, he is a top tier hooper no matter what court he has been on. And this year was no different.
He's shining in the spotlight now. The local stations are covering him. The kid is in the national spotlight, just a year removed from High School.
When asked about how it feels, he didn't have any words. He just smiled, looked around and up in the sky outside the UD Arena, and just shook his head.
"Unreal. Just so thankful. All the hard work paid off." Cranford would say.
This couldn't have happened to a more deserving kid. Don't be suprised to see "The Kid" have a incredible performance tonight.
After all, he is playing in his back yard.
And it was his birthday yesterday, so he is winning on all accounts.
Good luck to "The Kid" tonight as he looks to take St Francis on to the next level on national TV, right at home, in Dayton, Ohio.
Follow Juan Cranford Jr, St. Francis University, NCAA March Madness & SELive365 on the journey
