Cal Poly Basketball in Review – Marcellus Garrick

Marcellus Garrick – Junior – 6’4”, 190 lbs

By the Numbers:

Marcellus Garrick has potential to be an impact player on the 2018-19 iteration of the Cal Poly men’s basketball team. By Owen Main

27 Games

16.7 Minutes per game

6.5 Points per game

1.6 Rebounds per game

.4 Assists per game

41.2.% Field Goals

38.4% 3 Pointers

75.8 % Free Throws

A native of South Carolina, Garrick transferred to Cal Poly from local Alan Hancock College in Santa Maria prior to the 2017-18 season. The junior immediately showed some maturity and made an impact. Garrick scored in double-digits in four of Cal Poly’s first five games and had a season/career high 20 points in 30 minutes during a win over Pepperdine in the Mustangs’ 9th game of the season. When he’s rolling, Garrick’s energy on the floor can be electric. 

As conference approached, Cal Poly’s effectiveness started to wane and Garrick’s stats and playing time faded. Starting January 31st, Garrick did not play in three of five games. Over the last 10 games of the season, Garrick played in 7 contests, averaging just 10 minutes per game. 

Garrick’s versatility is something that should get fans and coaches excited. There are lots of creative ways he can be utilized on both ends of the floor. Garrick’s three-point shooting proved translatable to the next level, but he’s probably contributing best when that is only a part of his offensive repertoire. Garrick’s ability to be a secondary or tertiary decision-maker on offense will go a long way to how effective he is next season. One thing that can improve some is his handle. Joe Callero likes his seniors and guards to be primary  Better understanding how opponents are reacting to his attacking with the ball could help him find open teammates and be a playmaker for the Cal Poly offense. Getting him on the move offensively should probably be a priority.

On the defensive end, Garrick’s strength and length can be a real asset for the Mustangs.

As a recruit from a local junior college, Garrick’s appearance on the Cal Poly roster signaled the first time in the Joe Callero era that the Mustangs have tapped a local junior college (Cuesta or Hancock) recruit. For a low/mid-major program that doesn’t have great grad transfer options and has a hard time getting players into school, it seems like local JUCO interaction is something the Mustangs should be looking at on a more regular basis. Perhaps Garrick will signal more student athletes feeding from local JUCOs. 

Looking forward

For a team that doesn’t have many outspoken leaders, Garrick’s ability to lead as a senior next season could go a long way toward stabilizing the team’s confidence, attitude, and work ethic. Aside from Donovan Fields, Garrick I think has the most potential to be a force of nature on the court for Cal Poly next year. If he can improve his handles a little and make great decisions under duress, it would go a long way toward freeing-up Fields, Cal Poly’s post players, and taking some pressure off incoming players like Junior Ballard and Daxton Carr.

*Ed note: Over the next few weeks, we’ll be recapping the season of every Cal Poly player who played in 2017-18.