Tavon Waters transferring to FSU

By Ryan Hanchett
Published in Sports on June 4, 2008 1:50 PM

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Every athlete dreams of taking their game to the next level.

Former Wayne County prep standout Tavon Waters is getting that chance.

Waters recently announced that he will be leaving Brunswick Community College, and enrolling at perennial Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association power Fayetteville State University. The move is the culmination of hard work, prowess and perseverance.

"I know that Fayetteville State is a place where I can be successful," said Waters, who played at Goldsboro High and Wayne Country Day. "It's a place where I can help keep the spotlight on basketball.

"I have a really close family, and I wanted to go to a place where they could come and watch me play ... a place that would allow me to be close to home."

After completing a successful high school career at Wayne Country Day, the combo-guard weighed all of his collegiate options. Eventually he found a home within coach Walter Shaw's highly-successful program at Brunswick.

"Coach Shaw was great for my career, making me a better basketball player and teaching me things about life," said Waters. "One of the biggest things he taught me was not to procrastinate, to step up and get things done when you can."

In his two years at Brunswick, Waters has been getting things done on and off the court.

Last season Waters led the Dolphins in free throw percentage (91%), and was second on the team in assists, averaging 4.6 per game. The sophomore also became a leader in the classroom, making the dean's list each of the passed two semesters.

"When you're a kid, you take things for granted a little bit, because you always have your mom and dad around to tell you what to do and when to do it," said Waters. "In college you have to learn how to prioritize and manage your time to make things easier."

Waters hopes his ability to adapt will make the transition to the Bronco hardwood an easy one.

"I went from being a scorer in high school, to being a more complete guard at Brunswick," said Waters. "I was on a team with four guys that were all great scorers, so I learned to do other things well. I learned how to set up other people, which makes basketball so much easier."

At Fayetteville State, Waters knows he will have to compete for time in the guard rotation as a new group of backcourt players try to fill the giant shoes left by Bronco standout Phillippe Harris.

"FSU went to the CIAA championship game last season, so I know what the expectations are," said Waters. "Especially for the guys who are trying to follow a phenomenal player like Harris."

Joining Waters on his move to Fayetteville State will be fellow BCC Dolphin guard Travis Foster.

"It's great to have a teammate transferring with me," said Waters. "We both know that we are going to have to compete for time at our respective positions, but being familiar with each other should help us do our thing.

"Overall, I am really pleased to have this particular opportunity at Fayetteville State."