Former Titan John Wright steps up to college ball in Florida

“He definitely surprised me”

Former 1A Colorado basketball player of the year and Crested Butte Titan John Wright has made the jump to the collegiate level, playing for the Ave Maria Gyrenes, a NAIA program in Naples, Florida.
NAIA is the equivalent of NCAA Division II level, with six scholarships available.
Wright’s father contacted the school last year to find out how John might get a chance to play for the Gyrenes, piquing the interest of head coach Jamon Copeland.
“Once I researched him, talked to some coaches who played against him and watched some game film on him, I got more intrigued,” says Copeland.
Toward the end of his senior year, Wright was invited to visit the school and show for a preliminary workout.
“I flew down there and tried out for the team,” explains Wright. “There were three guys at the tryout and it didn’t seem too tough.”
Copeland liked what he initially saw and Wright was offered a half scholarship for his freshman year.
“I just thought he’d be a great fit,” says Copeland.
Wright’s former coach in Crested Butte, Robin Loyed, knew John had the tools for success.
“He’s coachable, he’s physical and he’s got a beautiful shot,” says Loyed. “Those are the things that will help him succeed.”
But once Wright started working with the team, a little bit of reality sunk in.
“What’s always a big difference for players out of high school is the speed of the game,” explains Copeland. “Everybody is bigger, faster and stronger. It kicks it up a notch.”
“It was definitely weird for me—chaotic really,” says Wright. “There are 20 guys out there, all trying to figure out where they fit in. It was pretty competitive.”
Wright admits the first few weeks were an eye-opener. For example, he was constantly getting stripped of the ball.
“I basically just had to get used to the pace. The biggest difference is the defense is crazy,” says Wright. “They’re right in your face. I definitely wasn’t discouraged. It was more of a motivator.”
“Like any freshman, he’s going through some growing pains,” adds Copeland. “But he’s a hard worker, blue-collar, no-nonsense kind of player.”
Wright’s work ethic, paired with his ability, gained him a spot in the regular rotation, one of three freshmen who are getting playing time.
“After three weeks I kind of found my groove,” says Wright.
While Wright’s role in high school was everything from driving to the hoop to pulling up for the jumper, he’s honed his game at the college level to a more specific role.
“It’s really hard to get to the hoop,” says Wright. “The closest I get is the free throw line. Most of my scoring has been catch and shoot.”
The Gyrenes are 3-1 right now, undefeated in the Sun Coast Conference, and Wright loves the collegiate game atmosphere.
“It’s a blast,” says Wright. “The games are awesome. Going to other teams’ court is what I like the most.”
“It’s a big deal he’s getting some minutes,” says Copeland. “He definitely surprised me. He’s in the rotation. He plays when it counts, not just mop-up.”
“It’s amazing that he can thrive at the college level, coming from a small-town program,” adds Loyed. “That’s just a testament to his own attributes.”