McCallie's Calvin set for SEMO

photo McCallie's Jamaal Calvin (12) drives past Baylor defenders during their game at Chattanooga State.

Jamaal Calvin has seen this movie before. He has a standout basketball season, and then at his next stop he's asked to adjust his game.

Yet the next stop for the McCallie senior is one he's always dreamed of.

Calvin committed recently to continue his basketball career at Southeast Missouri State in the Ohio Valley Conference. The 5-foot-11 guard averaged 17.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, four assists and 3.4 steals last season for the Blue Tornado, helping them to the Division II-AA state quarterfinals for the second straight year.

"I'm really glad to have that process off my back," Calvin said Thursday afternoon. "It was tough because others were getting their visits out of the way. I took a couple, but when I got to Southeast Missouri, I felt comfortable there.

"I'm happy I've found a place I can play."

Calvin will be reunited with former McCallie guard C.J. Reese, who will be a redshirt freshman at SEMO. Calvin also will have the chance to get on the court immediately, due to his shooting ability.

"The coach said I'm already the best shooter on the team, and that I can earn a spot in the rotation," he said.

In his early seasons at McCallie, Calvin spent time with fellow future NCAA Division I guards Jordan Price, Cordell James and Reese. As a result, he was asked to be a spot-up shooter, but his senior season he and teammate Jorden Williams shared the bulk of the ball-handling duties.

Initially, he will be asked to play an off-guard role for the Salukis.

"Jamaal's success is a culmination of all of his hard work," McCallie coach Dan Wadley said. "He paid the price and has reaped the benefits. Southeast Missouri is going to get a good leader and a great shooter who adjusted to what we needed over the years."

Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6311. Follow him on Twitter at twitter.com/genehenleytfp.

Upcoming Events