Freshman guard Kruz McClure recalled watching the team last year. Sitting with his dad, they talked about “how surreal” it will be to play at Madison Square Garden in New York City — an arena that has been on his bucket list to play at.

Fast forward to now, McClure is about to play at Madison Square Garden for the Big East tournament with the Blue Demons. The tournament is slated for March 11-14.

“He probably wouldn’t believe it,” McClure said of his younger self’s response if he could tell him that. 

It will also mark his first time being at the arena. 

Seeing the arena and walking in for the first time, he will be thinking about how grateful he is. 

“Most people don’t even get the opportunity to play in a gym like this, and so, you just got to realize how blessed you are,” McClure said. 

He is excited about the Big East Tournament.

“I can’t wait,” McClure said. “I think we’ve made real strides as a team. I’m ready to go out there and compete together … I’m excited to see what we can do.”

He plans to help the team in the tournament by doing whatever he needs to do to help them win. 

“It’s team first, always,” he later said.

He also brought up his role on the defensive end. 

“That’s where I can be effective,” McClure said. “… I’ve always taken pride in my defense my whole life.

“So while my offensive game, I’m a little out of a rhythm or whatever, just really buying in on the defensive end has been important for me.”

Stepping onto the court and checking in for the first time, McClure admitted that he will likely be a bit nervous. 

“But as soon as I get on the court, I’ll be okay,” he added. 

He plans to lean into his teammates and look to them for guidance. One of whom is senior guard Brandon Maclin. 

“Oh, man, he’s been like a big brother to me all season,” McClure said. “He’s helped me pretty much since I first stepped on campus. He’s been a great role model for me.”

Maclin described McClure as fearless. 

“He’s really built for the moment,” Maclin said. “I believe he has no fear. He wants to be out there in the big games and the big moments, and he wants to be the guy.”

Assistant coach Jack Owens also praised McClure’s defense to the media before the Blue Demons’ second win over Creighton. 

“He’s in position,” Owens said. “He’s coming up with steals. He’s learning and talking a lot.” 

Owens brought up McClure’s stretch of being in and out of the lineup, highlighting the two concussions and the “little nagging hip injury” he had. 

“But he stayed the course,” Owens said. “And he’s a guy who loves the game. He’s in the gym working all the time.”

Owens said he knows things will “come around” for McClure. 

“He’s going to continue to work at it … and I think he’s close to being back in rhythm to where we’re going to see him finish strong these last few games, and then leading into Big East (tournament) play,” Owens said. 

McClure will finally get the chance to play at Madison Square Garden like he talked about with his dad.

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