Issue date: 5/12/08 Section: Sports

Cal State Fullerton guard Marcus Crenshaw isn't just leaving behind a school, a team or a basketball program - he's leaving behind a family.

Crenshaw, or "Money" as he is known by members of Section K, has elected to graduate with a degree in Afro-Ethnic Studies rather than play another year of Titan basketball.

"I'm pursuing my basketball career elsewhere right now," Crenshaw said. "I'm going overseas to play," was the most he said he could go in to talking about his future plans.

"I'm a guy that likes to experience new things. I'm not scared to take on the challenges of the world," Crenshaw said.

While he only spent two seasons at CSUF, he said he'll always remember all of the love his fans gave him and he hopes they will remember him for giving that love right back.

"I wouldn't even call them fans," Crenshaw said. "I call them my family. I'm a big believer in family. If we're close enough to interact, and you cheer for me, you want me to succeed, then that's family right there."

And Crenshaw always took the time to show love to his "family."

Take for instance what the 5-foot-10-inch guard did after the Titans defeated Southern Utah in December. During the post-game celebration at BJ's in Fullerton, Crenshaw took some time as he always did to talk to people who were at the game.

One devoted fan wanted Crenshaw's autograph, but had nothing for him to sign.

"After a while of talking, the guy told me, 'Let me get one of your shoes,'" Crenshaw said. "I didn't even think twice about it, man."

Crenshaw signed it and gave the fan and his girlfriend each one of his favorite shoes, a pair of Reebok Allen Iverson's that he bought only two days before.

"So here I am, a guy walking around BJ's with no shoes," Crenshaw said with a big smile. "I'm a big believer in showing people the love that they showed me."

Teammate Marcus Morgan wasn't surprised by Crenshaw's gesture.

"That's just the type of guy he is," Morgan said.

Continued...

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