By Mario Martinez—
Coming off a game-winning buzzer-beater vs. Rutgers-Newark on January 23rd, freshman SG Khalid Muhammad, 18, Business Administration: Management, from Orange, has been on a scoring campaign at this point in the season. New Jersey City University Men’s Basketball team close to returning to .500 and nabbing the last seed in the New Jersey Athletics Conference playoffs.
At this point, Muhammad has amassed sixteen double digit point outings, including three twenty-point performances, four NJAC Rookie of the Week honors, and is currently the Gothic Knights’ leading scorer. However, scoring isn’t what’s on his mind.
“I don’t really look at or worry about it, but I look at other things like rebounds, turnovers, and assists. I look at everything else but points.”
He then went on to say, “We just need to improve our record and get a spot in the NJAC playoffs and from there, I think we can go far.”
Muhammad’s high expectations along with his tenacity has earned him respect from his teammates and has revitalized the Gothic Knights, who began the season 2-7. According to him, defense is the key to the Gothic Knights’ turnaround.
SG Asmar Edwards, 21, Criminal Justice, from Paterson agrees that defense has changed the mindset of the team and also acknowledges the tremendous impact that the freshman has had on the team offensively.
“That’s big for a freshman coming here. As coach would say, ‘He’s fearless,’” he said.
Undoubtedly dauntless, Muhammad is also is playing inspired by the loss of his best friend, Malcolm Bagley. Both were star athletes at Orange High School, where Bagley was captain of the basketball team and football team. Though it is a great loss, the young Muhammad carries on with unmatched courage and a relentless determination, striving for excellence on and off the court for his school, his coach, his team, and a friend who will forever remain in his heart.
Muhammad also feels that NJCU is a place where he’s able to focus on achieving his basketball ambitions and his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.
“It’s real cool. Not too big. Small environment for me to stay low, stay focused and not get into any trouble. I like that. It keeps me positive. I just mind my business,” he said.
In his sixth season at the helm of NJCU’s Men’s Basketball team, head coach Marc Brown has been impressed by Muhammad and sees great potential in the freshman who averages 14.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game.
“He’s the best rookie, freshman and scorer in the league right now and that I’ve ever coached. I look forward to coaching him for another three years,” said Brown.
Even fellow freshman PG Brent Burgess, Jr., 20, Special Education and Mathematics (double major), from Roselle advocates the exceptional talent of Muhammad.
“I thought he was tough when I first played him. He’s quick. I see the future in him, “ he said.
The Gothic Knights have gotten out of the hole they dug themselves with their slow start and are in a position for a spot in the NJAC playoffs.
According to Edwards, the team feels positive going forward. He said, “We feel confident. I think we can win the season out and go to the NJAC Playoffs. We have 3 more home games and 2 away games. Hopefully we can go on the road and steal those games.”
Coach Brown also believes in his team’s chances in getting into the NJAC playoffs, especially with the help of Muhammad’s offensive proficiency.
“Muhammad has been carrying the team with his scoring but it’s a good team. Even in losing, I’ve enjoyed coaching them. They work hard and anything is possible with a team that works hard,” he said.