The 3x NBA Sixth Man of the Year just added another feather to his cap! Jamal Crawford and Victor Wembanyama’s unexpected partnership last year turned heads. Footwork and flashy moves, Crawford passed on his understanding of the foundation of the game to Wemby. While some initially questioned whether the retired star was the right mentor for the Spurs’ sensation, Wembanyama’s slick handles and smooth moves quickly silenced the skeptics. And now, with Crawford securing a massive win as a coach, there won’t be the need for further debate.
It is a nostalgic moment for Crawford, who led Rainier Beach to win the WIAA State Championship in 1998. And once again, he got to be part of history with his alma mater. But this time as a coach. When longtime coach Mike Bethea fell sick, he called the former NBA player whom he coached in the past to take up the role in his absence.
As an assistant coach, Crawford guided the 3A boys basketball team to clinch the program’s 10th state championship. This will mark head coach Bethea’s 9th win as a coach. For the first time since 2016, the Vikings won the title (68-48) as they clashed against Edmonds-Woodway. Holding the trophy more than two decades later, Crawford was both thrilled and emotional.
Sharing an important message for the city, Crawford said, “I ain’t held this thing for 20 years. in 27 years. I’m here. There’s a lot of heat out there, but there’s way more love, and we’re going to continue to give love. We’re going to keep giving love to our city, and this will come back.”
The retired NBA player said, “It’s surreal, because it’s so much more than on the court.” “There’s so much more than basketball, so much more. You’re part of those kids’ lives, the good days, the bad days, the days they need a hug. It’s so much deeper, so it’s just surreal. I won it in my first year playing high school basketball for Mike, and now in my first year as a coach,” he added.
Both Crawford and his wife had high praise for the New Mexico signee Jaylen Petty. After all, he was the star of the game and one of the key players who motivated his teammates with prayer verses as well as a power-packed performance on the court.
It was a big win for Rainier Beach and Jamal Crawford
The senior year player hit 26 points for the team to lead. The Vikings built momentum in the first half, with Marques Ili-Manese scoring the final five points to give Rainier Beach a 32-25 halftime lead. The Vikings opened the fourth quarter with four quick points, extending their lead to 55-38. They had won every game in the tournament with an average gap of 19 points. It was a massive feat.
While the Edmonds-Woodway had a great game, it wasn’t enough to stop Petty’s squad. Speaking of Petty who played a crucial role for the win, the Chicago Bulls legend said, “He’s one of the best kids I’ve ever been around. In the group chat he’s sending prayer verses to his teammates. If they need anything, he’s there for them. It’s like he’s been here before. I’ve never worked with a kid that’s been that obsessive with being great, the small details.”
Petty played his freshman year in Rainier Beach and then went on to play two seasons at Auburn. He has now returned to Rainier Beach. And his incredible performance saw him win the tournament MVP honor. Crawford had faith in the team and him hugging the Vikings players perfectly captures that emotion. Is this the beginning of a coach Crawford era? Not to forget, he will have to get in action as an analyst for his job in NBC next season.
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