McCarter thriving at Campbell University

By Andrew Stevens
Published in Sports on January 18, 2014 11:08 PM

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astevens@newsargus.com

BUIES CREEK -- Reco McCarter isn't just thankful for a second chance.

He's making the most of a golden opportunity.

A Wayne Country Day alum, McCarter is thriving in his new college home at Campbell University. He's earned consecutive Big South Conference player-of-the-week honors and is the team's co-leading scorer with 11.7 points per game.

McCarter has started in all 19 games for the Camels and reached double figures in eight of his last 10 outings.

"I've just been more aggressive lately and I'm trying to do whatever it takes to carry my team to a victory," McCarter said. "I've seen what it takes to win and we're all just trying to win here at Campbell.

"We've all bought into that."

However, McCarter's college career hasn't always been so memorable.

He earned all-state honors during his junior and senior seasons at WCDS and signed with Division I member VCU. McCarter red-shirted during the 2010-11 when the 11th-seeded Rams made an improbable run to the Final Four.

The following year, McCarter struggled to earn playing time in VCU head coach Shaka Smart's system. He appeared in just 10 games and averaged less than a point a contest.

The eye-opening experience humbled McCarter and taught him to treasure the opportunity to play college basketball.

"It helped me mature a lot," McCarter said. "Coach Smart used to ask me all the time 'how are you going to act when things don't go your way?' I try to tell my teammates at Campbell all the time 'there's a lot of other players that want to be in the same situation we're in.'

"I think the older I get the more I will value being in the Final Four and being in the tournament."

McCarter decided to transfer, fell in love with Campbell's small campus and tight-knit community, and the vision of athletics director Bob Roller.

The experience at VCU motivated McCarter to become a more complete player. Rather than focusing solely on scoring, he's among the team leaders in rebounds, steals and blocks. McCarter has also dedicated himself to the weight room in order to increase his upper body strength.

"I've improved all around," McCarter said. "I don't want to just be a shooter or just be a player that can drive to the basket. I want to continue to improve all areas of my game."

McCarter's new found perspective has made an impact on his teammates as well. His work ethic and his positive attitude has also made the transition for first-year head coach Kevin McGeehan much smoother.

"I think Reco is a terrific kid, and he has a good heart and soul and he cares about his teammates," McGeehan said. "He is kind of the embodiment of Campbell and what we're founded on. If there is one person I can count on to be positive and energetic in practice every day, regardless of what the day before was like, it's Reco."