Wings Up Player Profiles: Marcus Bryan

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — After Marcus Bryan sat out the 2015 season while transferring to UNCW, he got his taste of victory last year.

Now, he’s got another championship.

Last year was great for junior Marcus Bryan, for more than one reason.

“I enjoyed it last year,” Bryan said. “Sitting out was tough, but it was good to get back on the court. You know, playing in front of all the fans in Trask, it was cool sitting out and seeing that and then having an even better crowd this past year.”

Now all eyes are focused on beating UVA, by getting back into the gym.

“We’ll come in here,” Bryan said. “I was pretty good at 15 footer and it seemed like kind of lost it last year, so i’ve been getting back into the gym, trying to work on that, get it back and hopefully eventually move out to the three.”

While he hasn’t made it out to the three yet, his impact on the team is very important.

Playing on a big roster set on playing through the post, Bryan has a chance to thrive.

“I’ve always been used to playing in post or playing around the rim and it’s a little easier for me to play in the post on defense,” Bryan said. “On offense I had to get used to being around the rim ’cause I’m used to more of being more of a face up player.”

#21 isn’t scared to work hard. Be it in practice or in a game. He’s always looking to get better.

That’s why the players that push him the most aren’t just the vocal leaders on the team. It’s his teammates that make him push harder.

“Coach is big on ball screens and guarding ball screens,” Bryan said. “So probably most of the guards because I have to be able to guard pick and roll and that’s been a struggle for our team so far so that. All the guards probably drive me the most.”

Though sometimes he’s behind Cacok, it’s been the depth of this team that has led to back to back CAA Championship seasons.

So it may not be as glamorous as some, but Bryan continues to grind under the radar.

UNCW takes on UVA this Thursday at 12:40 p.m. The game will be broadcast on truTV.