Originally written for publishing on May 9, 2013.
On Tuesday, April 30, a signing ceremony was held in the Hornet’s Nest and accompanied by family and coaches, Julian Caldwell signed his letter of intent to Colorado State University-Pueblo.
A key factor in the Hornet’s first playoff birth in three years was sophomore guard and team captain Julian Caldwell. This season Caldwell averaged a team high, 16.5 points per game, along with 5.5 rebounds and will most likely be selected First Team All-Conference, as he was in the previous year.
The Fullerton Hornets men’s basketball team finished 6-6 in the OEC (14-14 overall), ending their season in the first round of the SoCal Regional playoffs.
Caldwell’s talent on the court at FC has not only attracted the attention of his peers, but universities have also expressed interest in the young, 6 foot 4 guard.
“I went on a visit to University of West Georgia but the Coaching staff at CSU-Pueblo welcomed me in . . . I had a good connection with them,” Caldwell stated.
Caldwell played four years varsity and was voted first team All-League each of those four years at Colony High School in Ontario, where he graduated in 2009.
After which, he attended open tryouts at Saddleback and Irvine Valley College but chose to attend Fullerton after having a good feeling about the coaching staff.
“Other coaches I met with weren’t as real to me as Coach Smith was,” said Caldwell. “That was important to me.”
Coach Andre Smith, who is also Caldwell’s godfather, has been a big influence in Julian’s life.
“He [Smith] has taught me how to be a better player on the court, as well as how to be a better person off the court,” said Caldwell
Caldwell contributes his well-roundedness both on and off the court to his mother and father.
“My dad was my coach from the fourth grade, up to the either grade and he has helped me accelerate my gate in different areas, not just scoring,” Caldwell added. “My mom was more on the academic side of things . . . she kept on me about school all the time.”
He hopes to continue to elevate his basketball game in different ways at CSU-Pueblo, as well as maintaining his focus on his studies. Caldwell is majoring in Business Management and has goals of putting that degree to use.
“I want to own a sports complex that focuses on helping kids develop their game and at the same time, help them reach their goals,” Caldwell said.
Many on the Fullerton College campus will miss Julian Caldwell’s charisma, positivity, and smile.
“I’m going to miss my teammates and my coaches. We’ve been like a family,” he added. “They were always there for me and kept me positive. I thank them all.”
This time next year, Caldwell will be a Colorado State University-Pueblo Thunderwolf. Good luck Julian and know Fullerton College will be rooting for you.