Grant signs NLI: Star forward will play division-1 basketball

Anthony “TJ” Grant is a two-star forward, but will likely play as a combo guard and stretch forward, at the next level. Earlier this year, Veterans Warhawks star forward, TJ Grant, announced his verbal commitment via Twitter, to in-state Mercer University. On Wednesday evening, Grant signed his National Letter of Intent to stay in the “478” and play division-one basketball for the Mercer University Bears. Grant will play under Coach Greg Gary. Coach Gary, third year coach of the Mercer Bears Men’s Basketball team, led Mercer University to 35 wins in his first two seasons. This is the most wins by a Mercer basketball coach over that time-span. Grant was a three-year varsity starter and member of the Warhawk Basketball team. During his three years at Veterans, Grant averaged 13.1 points per game, two assists, seven rebounds, three steals and two blocks for his career, according to MaxPrep Sports.

Grant is a member of the Veterans High School All-Time points club, as well as a member of the 500 rebounds club. Grant was a 55% shooter and 60% free-throw shooter for the Warhawks. He finished his career as a Warhawk with over 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 steals, 150 blocks and 150 assists. As a freshman, Grant started in 26 games, averaged 10 points per game, two assists per game, seven rebounds, two steals and three blocks. Grant’s best game was against Mary Persons where he totaled 25 points and shot nine of 19 from the floor.

As a sophomore Grant averaged 11.1 points per game, but the rest of his stat line slightly dropped from his freshman season. His best game during his sophomore season was again, against Mary Persons, where he scored 18 points and was seven of 11 shooting. Grant had a spectacular junior campaign at Veterans High School, earning a number of honors such as GHSA All State, Hoop Seen 5A first team, and region 1-5A Player of the Year.

As a junior, Grant averaged 19.1 points per game, two assists, seven rebounds, three steals and one block per game. His best game as a junior was against Wayne County, where he scored 26 points and he was 11 of 17 shooting.

The six-foot-six stretch forward is an extremely versatile player that can play and guard multiple positions. Grant plays the game of basketball with high-energy and he has the scoring ability to be effective out on the perimeter, but he also possesses the size and strength to dominate smaller players in the paint. Grant said versatility was one of the biggest factors that sold him on Mercer. Grant’s ability to run the offense alongside his high-passing ability, will allow Coach Greg Gary to run small-ball lineups, as well as bigger lineups with Grant at either of the guard positions. After speaking with Grant on multiple occasions, I, too, am sold. Anthony “TJ” Grant is a special athlete with an extremely high basketball IQ. Grant will flourish as a member of the Mercer Bears and any level he succeeds too.

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