A couple weeks ago, Marcellus Earlington shocked countless division one football coaches around the United States by choosing to step away from the game solely for basketball.
The 6-6 Forward’s value to Don Bosco is sky high. Very few frontcourt players possess the skills that Earlington displays on a nightly basis. In regards to rebounding, ME is dominant on the glass. His big frame and high motor allows him to snarl down countless rebounds with ease. On offense, he’s a matchup nightmare. While many traditional frontcourt players do their damage on the block, Earlington is extremely dangerous off the bounce from the wing and high post.
Earlier last week TheDribbleDrop sat down with Earlington to discuss his play on the AAU circuit, Don Bosco Basketball, what caused him to focus his energy entirely on basketball on the collegiate level and more.
- Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: Let’s talk about this off season. This spring/ summer, you played AAU basketball for The Tim Thomas Playaz. How was that experience?
Marcellus Earlington: Was definitely a great experience. We played in the EYBL, which is very competitive. I felt like I held my own at the highest level of competition and the competition made me better and work harder. The toughest matchup I had on the circuit was Bol Bol.
TheDribbleDrop: Last year you went to the TOC Final. You guys graduated Chris Paul and other key players, but are returning a lot of talent. What did you learn from last years incredible tournament run? What team skill would you like to improve upon this year?
Marcellus Earlington:It’s going to be hard to replace a do it all guy like Chris, but we added great talent in Owen McGlashan and Jordan Harper. Last years team was special, we were very unselfish. We knew there were going to be days when I would have a big day, or Ron, Chris etc. We didn’t care who scored the most and communicated a lot on defense.
In regards to areas I would like to improve upon, I would like to improve on Defense and rebounding.
TheDribbleDrop: Last year you made 1st Team All-State. Tell me one facet of your game your worked hard to improve on this off-season that you wanted to take to another level
Marcellus Earlington:I’ve been working on my ball handling a lot. I also worked a lot on improving my speed and quickness. I focused a lot more on guard work and passing.
TheDribbleDrop: Despite countless Division one offers for football, we heard you will be playing only basketball on the next level. What was a deciding factor in that choice?
Marcellus Earlington:For starters, this was definitely the hardest decision I ever made in my life. With that being said, I had to follow my heart. I wasn’t able to play pop warner football as a kid because of how overweight I was, so I only played basketball up to 7th grade. Basketball was the game my parents always pushed on me. It was the game I’ve been playing since I was 2 and I couldn’t imagine not playing it. The basketball gym was kind of a place I could go to get away from everything. It was a place I went to if I was stressed, or was angry or anything.
There would be some days where I would practice in the gym for hours before football practice and even sometimes a football game. Looking back on moments like that is when I realized how much I loved the game. Not many people know what I’ve been through in my life, but basketball has gotten me through all of it. It’s the game that brings out my best me.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s Schools have hit you up via interest or offers that you are willing to share? What are you looking for from a coach and program that’s looking to bring you in?
Marcellus Earlington:Univ. Of Buffalo, UCF, UAlbany, are a few new schools that have been showing interest.
In regards to coaches, I am looking for a energetic coach that keeps it real. I want a coach that pushes their players to reach their potential. Also I want to have a chance to play right away as a freshman.
TheDribbleDrop: What’s your personal and team goal for your senior year.
Marcellus Earlington:We set our goals pretty high this year we want a TOC championship
