Shawn Christian discusses Cleveland State commitment
Just prior to Garfield Heights’ trip to the state tournament, junior guard Shawn Christian committed to Cleveland State. He didn’t want to wait much longer, as he knew he had found the right place.
“It’s close to home,” Christian said. “Coach Waters is a great guy. Sometimes you just get that feeling that it’s the right place to be, and I’ve got that feeling at Cleveland State.”
Being close to home was important for Christian, as his family just had a new addition.
“My sister just had her first child, so I want to watch my nephew grow up,” Christian said. “It’s just good to be close to your support system.”
Just a junior, Christian, a 6-0 guard, wanted to get his recruitment done before his senior season. Being a recruit was an experience he’ll never forget.
“The whole process is kind of long,” Christian said. “You have your high moments and your low moments. It’s stressful. But it’s also fun.”
Christian has enjoyed his time at Garfield Heights partly because of his time with his coach, Sonny Johnson. That’s one of the reasons he committed to Cleveland State. He sees Gary Waters as another positive influence in his life.
“He thinks I can have a really good career,” Christian said. “He wants me to do what I’m good at, which is shoot the ball. Him and Coach J are very similar.”
At Cleveland State, Christian will be playing at the site of his biggest moment. Just a few weeks ago, he hit a shot at the buzzer of a regional final game to send the game to overtime. Garfield Heights would go on to win the game and make the state tournament.
“That was one of the biggest shots I’ve made in my career,” Christian said. “It was just a crazy moment. The fact that I get to play at the school I made that shot at is a honor.”
Christian will bring elite outside shooting to Cleveland State. With a year left before college, he hopes to improve his ball-handling and developing a better pump fake. The goal is to be a more complete player.
Cleveland State believes that Christian can be a key piece of its future, and Christian felt comfortable there.
“Everyone wants that big offer, but I was talking with Coach Johnson, and he told me it was more of who wants you than who you want,” Chrisian said. “Cleveland State is the best place for me.”
Christian has been a part of two-straight Garfield Heights teams that have lost in the state semifinal. With one more season to play, he hopes to get his team over the hump.
“We have to get better,” Christian said. “Our leadership has to be better. it’s going to take a lot, but I think we can do it. I think we can win it next year.”