Friday, May 2, 2014

Coahoma Big Man Graves Headed to Alcorn State



CLARKSDALE,  Mississippi — Coahoma Community College’s Xavier Graves just returned from Decatur, MS where he scored 11 points for his North Division squad during the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges (MACJC) All-Star weekend. The performance effectively ended his JUCO basketball career. However, on Wednesday afternoon, he officially began his career at the Division I level signing his paperwork to continue his career in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) at Alcorn State University.

Graves (Bassfield, MS) was a force inside for the Tigers this season nearly averaging a double-double. His 13 points and nine rebounds per game, along with two blocks, were a big reason that CCC advanced to the MACJC playoffs for the second consecutive season. Those stats, along with his performance in the classroom made him a desirable recruit for the Braves.

“He’s and outstanding student, and he’s an outstanding person,” said Alcorn Head Basketball Coach Luther Riley. “We believe that he has a lot of untapped basketball ability. His work ethic, drive to become better and his determination have separated him from a lot of the other players that we’ve been recruiting.”

Graves will be receiving his Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in just a few weeks during commencement ceremonies at Coahoma, and he will be pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Alcorn State’s Department of Heath, Physical Education and Recreation with a focus on coaching.

“We are very proud of Xavier, he is a young man that has really grown tremendously during his last two year’s at Coahoma,” said CCC Head Basketball Coach Ira Peterson. “He’s a fine young man, and an excellent basketball player. I know that Xavier’s best basketball is still in front of him.”

The Alcorn State Alumni family at CCC gathered around Graves Wednesday afternoon as he signed his scholarship paperwork — including Coahoma’s own President Dr. Valmadge Towner.

“It is always a wonderful thing to watch one of our students excelling and pursuing their dreams,” said Towner. “Coahoma strives to be a launching pad to a better future for its students, and Mr. Graves is an excellent example of one of our best. We wish him the very best.”

Press Release from Coahoma Community College Public Relations - Matthew E. Killebrew, Director

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