Photo credit: MSU Sports
During a Montclair men’s basketball game, you can see Brandon Channer dominating on the floor, trying to build on his first season with the Red Hawks.
Channer is a junior at the university and plays the position of forward for the Red Hawks men’s basketball team.
He was born in Manchester, Jamaica and moved to the United States in 2003. He has been playing basketball for about 11 to 12 years. He also played basketball while attending Rider University prior to coming to Montclair State.
Professional basketball players that have driven his passion for the game include Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. He also said that his father introduced him to the game. Overall, the passion he has for it makes him want to continue to play basketball.
The competitiveness of the game is another major driving force toward his love for the sport.
“You just have to keep going if you have success and if you fail, to just try and figure it out and get success. Also, [it’s] the opportunity to get a college education, meet people and open some new doors for me. I’ve been to so many places, countries [and] states. It’s just a beautiful game,” said Channer.
In the 2015-16 season, Channer’s statistics include 659 minutes of playing time, a .399 field goal average (117-for-239), a .356 three-point basket average (47-for-132), 177 rebounds and he averages 16.5 points per game.
Channer also talked about how honored he feels to put on the Montclair State jersey, no matter if it’s for a game or a practice.
“It means the most,” he said. “I’ve had a long journey for about three years now in college, so to be here at Montclair State is a great opportunity. Every day, I thank God for it. I put on that jersey, whether if it’s a practice or a game. I try to give it my all.”
Channer’s style of play and ability to bring great things to the team each game throughout the season has stood out to his teammates.
“He’s so versatile,” junior Brian Crosby said. “You just never know what to expect out of him. He can drive to the rim, and he can shoot the ball. It’s always so fun to watch him play.”
Some of the career-high totals he has this season include scoring 28 points against Kenyon College on Jan. 3 and playing 38 minutes against William Paterson University on Dec. 9, 2015.
Channer has also stood out to his coaches throughout the season, not only with his performance on the floor, but also for being a mentor to others on the team.
“I think the biggest thing is his leadership qualities and, in order to be a leader, you have to be a great teammate,” Montclair State Men’s Basketball head coach Marlon Sears said. “He’s been a great mentor for the freshmen in the program.”
Channer enjoys waking up and getting ready to play every day. He takes the game one day at a time.
He also included words of encouragement to any high school basketball players who may be thinking about taking their game with them to college.
“First, [I’d say] do it,” Channer said. “Second, play basketball, but don’t make it your life. Meet other people, enjoy it, put your best forward and enjoy the moment. It’s really the best four years of your life. Just keep working, anything is possible and believe in yourself.”
