A date with fate

By Melissa Yerkov
Times Sports Editor

Michael Sturns has always been a dreamer.
Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Sturns always imagined he’d become an NBA star one day.
When Sturns attended North Crowley High School, his aspirations grew with his talent during four solid seasons with the school team. He moved on to the University of North Texas, where he played guard and scored more than 700 points during his three years of basketball.
His dream is still very much alive. And Sturns is still working at it.
"I transferred to Holy Family University this year," said Sturns, now the Tigers’ starting guard. "I didn’t think Texas could get me to the next level and I felt I needed a change of scenery.
"I’ve come up here for Sixers camp a few times," he said of the Philadelphia 76ers’ program, "so I was already acclimated to Philadelphia. It’s a basketball city and that’s something I’m excited about. That’s ultimately my reason for coming out here. I thought this was the best place for me personally as well as professionally."
Sturns walked into Holy Family’s gym ready to do whatever it took to win. Now, five months later, he has led the Tigers to a 19-8 overall record. The Tigers played their final game of the regular season against Nyack on Saturday, a game they won, 81-79.
"I’m really excited about what we’ve been able to accomplish as a team," said Sturns. "I’m excited where we’re going. We are national championship contenders. We have all the pieces. We practiced and prepared ourselves. I think we should continue our success . . . but we’re not done yet."
Sturns dominated Saturday’s game with 35 points, including three treys. He has been getting some attention lately, especially now that he’s the leading Division II scorer with an average of 26.4 points per game.
"It’s definitely exciting and I like being a scorer, but it means nothing if we don’t continue to win," he said. "We still have a lot to accomplish this season. I don’t want to lead the country in scoring and then lose."
The Tigers have won 10 of their last 11 games, ranking seventh in the latest NCAA Northeast Regional rankings. Holy Family will host Goldey-Beacom in the opening round of the CACC Championship Tournament on Saturday at 4 p.m.
Much of the Tigers’ success can be attributed to Sturns, who led his team in scoring in 23 of its 27 games.
"This is something I’ve really prepared myself for," said Sturns. "I’m happy that I’m having success. It’s definitely a dream. I’ve been preparing myself for this since I was four years old.
"I’ve always wanted to entertain the thought of playing professionally," he added. "I’ll go to whatever NBA team wants me. But I think I could benefit from the Sixers and they would benefit from me. It’s still early though. This is a process I will have to go through after the season. Right now I’m just concentrating on winning this season."
At Holy Family, he is getting familiar with a new campus, new professors and a new roster of classes.
"I’m preparing myself to graduate after this year," said Sturns, an honor student who is majoring in business, with a minor in marketing. "I promised my family that I’d get my degree, and I will."
His search for athletic and academic fulfillment meant that Sturns had to leave his family for the time being.
"They’re still in Texas," said Sturns, referring to his brother, sister, mother, grandmother and son. "I decided to come out here by myself. This is something that I need to do as a man. I needed to come out here and take care of my business and get ready for that next level.
"I have a great family network. We all support each other," he added. "They prepared me to have success in whatever I do. I’m so grateful to have them."
Although there is 1,500 miles between them, the Sturns family has ventured east to see Michael in action.
"My mom was able to come see me play the other night," said Sturns, referring to a Feb. 19 game when he scored 24 points during the Tigers’ 69-61 win against Chestnut Hill. "It puts a smile on her face . . . and mine. I know why I’m doing this. I’m doing it for them. They are always with me."
Phone calls, e-mails and photos have helped the family overcome geography. Sturns tries to get home as often as possible to see his baby boy.
"I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing out here without him," said Sturns, referring to his 13-month-old son, Mikeelen. "He’s just a blessing to me. I miss him but I know I’m doing the right thing, and that is providing for my family. I’m preparing myself so he can have the best life possible. He’ll be able to see that he can do whatever he wants to." ••
Sports editor Melissa Yerkov can be reached at 215-354-3035 or myerkov@phillynews.com