There’s something about freshmen (or rookies) in sports that draws intrigue, especially those who make an immediate impact.
How can a first-year player be so good?!
The Village Christian boys basketball team has one of those athletes in freshman guard Will Conroy Jr. The standout guard is averaging 27.3 points per game while tallying 5.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.8 steals per contest this season.
“I’ve never coached a freshman with a self-belief that he can score like he has,” Village Christian coach Julian Andrade said. “He doesn’t think anyone can stop him. He just turned 15 in November.”
On top of the great play and productivity, Conroy Jr. has led the Crusaders to a 20-5 overall record, including an unbeaten 5-0 record in the Olympic League.
“My confidence and mindset comes from the work I put in daily and just knowing that I work on my game a lot,” Conroy Jr. said.
The play on the court has been impressive, but Conroy Jr. has stepped into a leadership role, too. Andrade said he watched the vocal aspect of the young freshman unfold in real time during one of the team’s most stressful games.
“Earlier this season, we were on the road playing rival Heritage Christian. We were down double digits,” Andrade recalled. “He yelled into the huddle and to his teammates, ‘We are not losing this game!’. And we didn’t, we came back and won. I was impressed.”
Conroy Jr. finished that night with 35 points and rallied the Crusaders to a 78-76 win over Heritage Christian.
“In that game, I just felt that I needed to let my team know that it was mandatory we win that game. I felt like it worked,” Conroy Jr. said.
VIDEO: Conroy Jr. comes up with key basket vs. Heritage Christian
“You don’t see that. It was a huge step for him mentally,” Andrade added.
Conroy Jr. is the son of former NBA guard Will Conroy, who is currently a USC men’s basketball assistant under new coach Eric Musselman. So, it’s not hard to see where the love and talent comes from. But with those bloodlines comes some expectation. Conroy Jr. delivered that message early this season in a marquee matchup.
Village Christian hosted Crespi on Dec. 1. The Celts are led by Isaiah and Carter Barnes, the twin sons of former NBA forward Matt Barnes. Conroy Jr. had 28 points, including a game-winning 3-pointer from 30 feet to beat Crespi 78-77. He shot 10 of 17 from the field (4 of 7 from 3), added nine rebounds and five assists.
“He wants to win everything. Every game. Every drill,” Andrade said. “He takes it personal when he loses, but he’s also mature enough to move on after a bad play. Scary part is he’s only getting better.
Village Christian will be a CIF Southern Section Division 1 playoff team. The field will be loaded with great teams, coaches and players. Will Conroy Jr. will be one of those players.
“The challenge for him will be when defenses box-and-1 him or throw different looks at him defensively,” Andrade said about the playoffs. “He’s going to have to trust that his teammates will get the ball back to him.”
And there’s no surprise, Conroy Jr. will be one of the most confident players in the postseason, too.
“I feel like me and my team definitely have a chance to win state, and I am confident in that,” he said.
When asked if Conroy Jr.’s game has another level to it for the playoffs …
“I feel that you will see a big step up in my game,” he said.
