Crutcher training in Texas as he prepares for next level

“Right now, I’m just working out,” Crutcher said. “My agent doesn’t want me to do workouts (for NBA teams) right now. He wants me to wait until we get closer to the draft and do workouts right before the draft. I’m trying to get bigger and better my game.”

After graduating from UD in early May, Crutcher moved to Frisco, Texas, where he has been training at The Sports Academy at The Star. Among the other pro prospects preparing for the next level with him are Isaiah Miller, a two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year at UNC Greensboro, former Tulsa guard Brandon Rachal and former Morgan State guard Troy Baxter.

All of those players were among the 353 players to submit their names for entry to the NBA Draft this year. The list is longer than usual because the NBA asked even seniors to declare their intentions because seniors this year have the option of returning to college basketball. The NCAA didn’t count last season against anyone’s eligibility.

Crutcher did not seriously consider returning to Dayton or to college basketball. He made that decision official on May 4. Two of his fellow UD seniors, Jordy Tshimanga and Ibi Watson, also submitted their names for the draft, while the team’s other senior, Rodney Chatman, chose to transfer to Vanderbilt and use his extra year of eligibility.

Crutcher hopes to earn an invitation to the NBA Combine, which will be held June 21-27, or the G League Elite Camp, which will be held June 19-21. Both events take place in Chicago. The top players from the G League Elite Camp will earn invitations to the combine. Around 100 players will be invited to the camps.

Crutcher ended up in Frisco, Texas, because that’s where his agency, Tandem Sports, wanted him to train. Crutcher is represented by Max Wiepking.

Crutcher believes he can play at the next level. He just needs the chance. He was the 328th-ranked prospect in the class of 2017, according to 247Sports.com, and finished his career ranked 16th in Dayton history in scoring.

“I’ve been playing up my whole life,” Crutcher said. “I feel like I’m going to have to adjust, and I feel like I can adjust to anything.”