David Gurganus headed to Wesleyan

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on April 27, 2010 1:49 PM

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PRINCETON -- David Gurganus is heading to college in the fall and his first true love will be waiting for him when he gets there.

A highly-touted quarterback and point guard at Princeton, Gurganus either contemplated a two-sport career or choosing between football and basketball. He decided to go with his life-long passion and signed with Division III member North Carolina Wesleyan on Monday.

Gurganus threw for more than 4,100 yards and tossed 37 touchdown passes, both school records, for the Bulldogs' football team. Princeton posted 10 wins and advanced to the third round of the state playoffs for the first time in two-plus decades.

Walking away from football was hard for Gurganus.

"Basketball is my passion and my favorite sport," said Gurganus. "It's very, very hard to give up football. I love basketball too much and this is the best situation for me.

"I just knew it's my true love and I don't want to regret not playing because it's my first love and true love."

Wesleyan head coach John Thompson has expressed interest in Gurganus since his junior year when he transferred to Princeton from Charles B. Aycock.

Gurganus was attracted to the intimate atmosphere at Wesleyan along with impression Thompson's coaching staff left on him during his visit.

"Coach Thompson got in touch with me a lot and not just about basketball," said Gurganus. "He asked about my family and he asked about how football was going. He made me feel like he wanted me. Their coaching style really impressed me."

The Battling Bishops went 16-10 this past season including an 11-1 mark in USA South Conference play.

Both of Wesleyan's point guards, Ivan Butler and Trey Drake, were seniors this year and the opportunity to potentially see increased playing time as a freshman excited Gurganus.

"Coach Thompson told me both of his points guards were leaving," said Gurganus. "My goal is to come in and play a lot of minutes. If not, then I'll work my way up and try and get those minutes."

Known for his court vision and ability to make difficult passes in traffic Gurganus, thrives on getting teammates involved in the offense.

"I've had that court vision for a while," said Gurganus. "I've played with my dad since I was five or six. It's kind of like playing quarterback, too. You know when guys are going to cut. It's something God's given me and I'm thankful for that."

Gurganus averaged 11.6 points and 5.8 assists per game while helping guide Princeton to a 13-13 record and a second-round appearance in the N.C. High School Athletic Association 1-A playoffs.

"I don't what know we would have done without him," said Bulldogs head coach Jeff Davis. "He came right in and had about a week of practice, and played almost every minute for two years. I just hand him the ball and don't have to worry about him.

"He's been a tremendous asset to our athletic program and our school."