Recruiting Report: Ausar Crawley (2021)
Often times at the high school level, you will see undersized guards forced to play off the ball because of their natural inclination to score and questionable ball-handling ability. That is not the case for Ausar Crawley of Mount St. Joseph, who at 5-foot-8 is a pure point guard but has the luxury to play off the ball as a result of his high-level shot-making ability.
“I consider myself a true point guard,” Crawley said during a recent interview with Prep Hoops. “Try to get my teammates involved. Hit shots. Work well in the pick and roll.”
In the modern game, positions are becoming a moot point. Players who specialize in one specific area of the game along with those who can fill a myriad of roles are being prioritized at the highest level. One thing you can’t help but notice when watching Crawley is how seamlessly he fits into a team regardless of where he is playing.
“I would say my shot making helps a lot. I can play off the ball. I can pass it, I can hit open shots, and I can also get my teammates involved on the ball. S o I can pretty much do it all,” he stated.
Crawley is known for shooting high percentages from all areas of the court. His preparation involves working out at game speed. Visualizing and practicing shots that he expects to make in games. Working out of ball-screens have been an area of focus for Crawley.
“I know that at the next level, being a smaller guard I’m going to have to hit shots. And i’m going to have to defend. So that’s one of the main things I’m continuing to work on,” Crawley explained.
Stony Brook, Bryant, Mount St. Mary’s, Howard, UMBC, and Fairfield are among the schools who are currently recruiting Crawley. What can he bring to a college program?
“I can bring leadership, being a true point guard. I can really run a team. And that’s what I’d say my biggest key is.”