Village Christian guard McLean chooses Columbia
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
Zavian McLean is a person that prefers to be challenged in all aspects of his life.
That’s why McLean, a 6-foot-4 senior guard from Village Christian Academy, is choosing to attend Columbia University in New York City.
“I feel like that’s gonna prepare me to be better,” said McLean, who plans to major in kinesiology with a focus on sports science.
“… I feel like going to an Ivy League school and going somewhere where I’m gonna be challenged by different types of people, going somewhere that I’m gonna be challenged in all aspects of my life is gonna help me tremendously. I just can’t wait.”
Campbell and two other Ivy League schools — Brown and Dartmouth — were among McLean’s suitors.
But on Friday afternoon inside the gymnasium at Village Christian Academy, McLean pulled out a framed picture that featured him in a Columbia jersey with the word “Committed” across the top.
“I’ve been working so hard for this for so long,” he said.
“All this hard work is paying off. I’m just grateful I could share this moment with all of these people that I care about — people that support me through thick and thin.”
With his parents, Jerome and Kimberly, by his side, McLean then took off his hoodie to reveal a Columbia T-shirt.
While he appreciated the efforts of the other schools recruiting him, McLean feels “the whole aspect” of Columbia will give him the best chance to accomplish his goals on and off the court.
“It’s Ivy League, for one,” he said.
“In New York, a place like that … so many resources, so many opportunities to be successful and be great. I’ve always said that by the time I’m 35, I want to be a millionaire.”
As for the basketball side of things, McLean is impressed with Lions head coach Jim Engles and the rest of the coaching staff.
“I know the coaching staff, they’re gonna push me to my fullest extent and I’m just ready towork,”saidMcLean,whobattled injuries throughout his junior season but still earned a spot on the NCISAA 3-A all-state team.
Village coach Kurtis Darden, who led the Knights to a runner-up finish in the NCISAA 3-A playoffs lastseason,praisedMcLean’sability to rack up points.
“Hecanreallyscorethebasketball,” Darden said.
“I think this year he’s gonna really be able to show everybody that he’s one of the top scorers, not only in the state, but the southeast part of the United States. I’m excited and I’m glad he’s on my team.”
Darden also pointed out the rarity of McLean’s situation.
“Obviously, Columbia is an Ivy Leagueschoolandtheydon’tjust let anybody in there,” he said.
“I’ve only had two kids to receive Ivy League interest and this is my 10th year here. For one to finally choose that route is exciting. … It’s been awhile since I’ve been to New York City, but I’lldefinitelybeuptheretocheck him out.”
And McLean is ready to embrace every challenge on the horizon.
“Hopefully, I can get that Columbia degree and be able to take it anywhere in the world,” he said with a smile. Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver. com or 910-486-3519.
By Rodd Baxley
Staff writer FAYETTEVILLE OBSERVER
Zavian McLean is a person that prefers to be challenged in all aspects of his life.
That’s why McLean, a 6-foot-4 senior guard from Village Christian Academy, is choosing to attend Columbia University in New York City.
“I feel like that’s gonna prepare me to be better,” said McLean, who plans to major in kinesiology with a focus on sports science.
“… I feel like going to an Ivy League school and going somewhere where I’m gonna be challenged by different types of people, going somewhere that I’m gonna be challenged in all aspects of my life is gonna help me tremendously. I just can’t wait.”
Campbell and two other Ivy League schools — Brown and Dartmouth — were among McLean’s suitors.
But on Friday afternoon inside the gymnasium at Village Christian Academy, McLean pulled out a framed picture that featured him in a Columbia jersey with the word “Committed” across the top.
“I’ve been working so hard for this for so long,” he said.
“All this hard work is paying off. I’m just grateful I could share this moment with all of these people that I care about — people that support me through thick and thin.”
With his parents, Jerome and Kimberly, by his side, McLean then took off his hoodie to reveal a Columbia T-shirt.
While he appreciated the efforts of the other schools recruiting him, McLean feels “the whole aspect” of Columbia will give him the best chance to accomplish his goals on and off the court.
“It’s Ivy League, for one,” he said.
“In New York, a place like that … so many resources, so many opportunities to be successful and be great. I’ve always said that by the time I’m 35, I want to be a millionaire.”
As for the basketball side of things, McLean is impressed with Lions head coach Jim Engles and the rest of the coaching staff.
“I know the coaching staff, they’re gonna push me to my fullest extent and I’m just ready towork,”saidMcLean,whobattled injuries throughout his junior season but still earned a spot on the NCISAA 3-A all-state team.
Village coach Kurtis Darden, who led the Knights to a runner-up finish in the NCISAA 3-A playoffs lastseason,praisedMcLean’sability to rack up points.
“Hecanreallyscorethebasketball,” Darden said.
“I think this year he’s gonna really be able to show everybody that he’s one of the top scorers, not only in the state, but the southeast part of the United States. I’m excited and I’m glad he’s on my team.”
Darden also pointed out the rarity of McLean’s situation.
“Obviously, Columbia is an Ivy Leagueschoolandtheydon’tjust let anybody in there,” he said.
“I’ve only had two kids to receive Ivy League interest and this is my 10th year here. For one to finally choose that route is exciting. … It’s been awhile since I’ve been to New York City, but I’lldefinitelybeuptheretocheck him out.”
And McLean is ready to embrace every challenge on the horizon.
“Hopefully, I can get that Columbia degree and be able to take it anywhere in the world,” he said with a smile. Staff writer Rodd Baxley can be reached at rbaxley@fayobserver. com or 910-486-3519.
