There are four primary factors college basketball coaches consider in the awarding of a scholarship:

• current skills set/future potential, the help now and/or later measurement
• academics
• size and athleticism
• personality/effect on team chemistry

But don’t be fooled as the initial consideration is the most critical component while the second aspect can be upgraded with focus and appropriate effort. The third is tied into skills and involves looking at matchups, especially so in league, and judging whether or not a prospect can win his position more often than not on a nightly basis, plus the question of him bringing something better or currently not present on the roster. The fourth ingredient is the most touchy as one coach explained long ago about a talent on his roster, “he’ll help us but I can only have one of him.”

Grayson Carper aces all of the above categories.

The Columbia College talent recently signed with Coach Dedrique Taylor and Cal State Fullerton for the 2021-22 year after being on display for just his freshman season. He averaged a bountiful 16.5 points on 47%, 38% and 76% shooting alongside a very well-rounded 7.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 2.1 steals per contest plus he has an attractive three years of eligibility remaining. Carper is redshirting this season at Columbia while continuing to work on his skills and body.

It requires just a quick peek to determine Carper will certainly aid the Titan cause once he arrives in Orange County plus that he is nowhere near his peak considering his organized basketball involvement has been limited to the junior varsity his freshman season at Freedom High in Oakley, his senior year at Clovis West High (his fifth high school) and last season with Coach Rob Hoyt.

Perusing Carper’s academics is another brief exercise since he was named to the 2019-20 CCCMBCA Academic All State team.

At 6-foot-6 and now 190 (he has added five pounds since last season), Carper forays to the basket are aided by his quick elevation. Consistent weight training is one area of his current focus.

He understands that doing is an important example of leadership albeit “I know that talking and communication is also big. I feel I bring something different to the table. People think I’m odd because I like to do things people hate to do. I call it dedicated. I’m the first in gym and the last to leave. Last year I was in a shooting slump for a couple of games so I went in before practice and games and worked on that. I want to be an extension of the coach on and off the floor.”

So why the choice of Big West Conference member Fullerton?

“It’s where I wanted to be because I like how they play —  positionless and get out and go. I can play the 1-4. It’s also a nice area and an opportunity that offered everything I wanted.”

San Jose State University also offered Carper with Seattle and others maintaining interest. “I feel a bit underrated but I like being an underdog,” Carper said. Not having a state championship tournament limited his nationwide exposure to a degree but it’s still puzzling that a host of mid-major programs in California weren’t in pursuit of his skills and versatility and it’s a decision they will likely rue.

The earlier selection of Columbia College by the Walnut Creek native is an interesting tale. “I had a bunch of JC offers but Coach Hoyt had a lot to offer to me. With what he said, we hit it off and developed a bond. He was straight-up honest and had my best interests first. He said his job was to get me out.” After Carper’s productive year, “we were in agreement that sitting out this season was for the best.” Although the Columbia Chamber of Commerce may disagree, Carper’s decision to become a Claim Jumper was also influenced by “there is nothing to do here and I like that. It’s the gym, the classroom and home, with no distractions.”

He’ll be majoring in psychology at Fullerton because “interested in the brain and how people think.”

Besides Hoyt, Carper thanked all the coaches he has worked with including former NBA player Quincy Pondexter and the Clovis West coaching staff. Plus, “my Mom, a huge factor, and my grandma” for all their guidance and support provided through the years.