The forward will continue in basketball as an assistant coach at UPrep.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — “Today begins a new journey in my life,” said Rochester RazorSharks guard Jerice Crouch recently.
Crouch explained his decision to retire from competitive play.
“Those I spoke briefly to know this already but a lot friends and family don’t know this. I’ve walked away from playing basketball competitively. If anyone that knows me know that this was not a easy decision for me because it has been apart of since I was 5 years old watching my dad play and hearing all the stories about him, I knew this was love at first sight kinda thing!!
“Basketball has given everything I have in my life in one way shape or form, it’s been the one thing that has made me feel special like I was superhero!! It put this powerful shield around that block me away from violence, drugs, the world in terms battling insecurities with the way I look because the scar on face , the lack of confidence I had with dealing with other people.
“Basketball has been the one thing that has allowed me to stand up in front of the world and say this is me, this is who I am!!! I wanna apologize to those I didn’t get to have this conversation personally with, I am truly thankful for every single person that has been apart of this journey with me whether family,friends, teammates, coaches, mentors, fans and strangers I wouldn’t have done it this long without you!!
“There are a lot of people that deserve personal thanks but I wanted to keep this about me and basketball. So truly from the bottom of my heart I thank y’all for allowing me to feel like a superhero all these years. Last but not least God for allowing me to share and show this talent.
“I accepted a new role in a school environment at Uprep Charter School and as part of that I will be a assistant varsity coach. So I’ll continue to be around the game so don’t feel to bad for me 😂..If you have basketball story involving your encounter(s) with me please I truly would love to hear.
“PS, Thank you Basketball you will forever be apart of me!”