Walk-ons find time

The JMU’s men’s basketball team has taken a different appearance this year, with three walk-on guards all seeing multiple minutes on the court.

Sophomore guard Chris Clarke has played in 16 out of 18 games this season for the Dukes, starting six.

"Going from 10 minutes last year to seeing 30 minutes a game feels great," Clarke said.

Clarke leads the team in shooting percentage from the line. He has knocked down 17 out of 17 shots from the charity stripe.

Senior guards John Goodman and Jason McGraw also have seen significant playing time.

"It’s a dream come true," Goodman said.

Goodman is referring to just having a spot on the team, not about his playing time this season while reaching the floor 15 out of 18 games this year.

"I just hope to be a spark plug of energy for 10 seconds when I get out there," Goodman said. "I’m not going to make the big plays or score a lot, but I just want to hold down the fort until someone can get in to make those plays for us."

In JMU’s last game against Virginia Commonwealth University Jan. 31, Goodman wasn’t a 10 second player while seeing his career high of 23 minutes on the court.

"There are amazing athletes here and some can get away with going 80 percent in practice, but if I don’t go 100 percent all the time I’ll get killed," Goodman said. "Sometimes 100 percent isn’t even enough, and it’s just a blessing to be competing on this level."

McGraw has the same view as Goodman while walking on as a fifth year and has played in 10 games.

"It’s just a blessing in a unique situation," McGraw said. "I don’t want to be a liability, but rather earn people’s respect. But as a walk-on you have to play smarter, work harder, and know your role at the same time. A lot of things change from playing at UREC to the Convocation Center."

McGraw relies on playing hard in practice because he realizes his role is to make others better, but to still simulate a game-level pace for when he sees the court. All three walk-on’s work ethics have not gone unnoticed by the coaching staff.

JMU coach Dean Keener said, "These guys have all given all they can physically and mentally. Clarke is the only player with a positive assist to turnover ratio. Goodman gives a great effort every day, and McGraw has a great knowledge of the game for starting late with the team."

The Dukes continue to battle injuries to senior guard Daniel Freeman and freshman guard Joe Posey, but the three walk-ons receive nothing but praise for their contribution to this team.

"I told McGraw last week in our win against VCU, that even though he was the only player not to play, he still had a major role in our victory because of all his hard work," Keener said.