recorded five double-doubles
Emondrek Erkins‑Ford: The Rising Tower of Eastern Florida State
All‑FCSAA Outfit — He’s Reaching New Heights
It’s not every day you hear about a freshman who refuses to just loaf around the sidelines, and Emondrek Erkins‑Ford proves he’s not one of them. Midway through the season, the Chicago‑bred power forward has made waves statewide, earning a coveted spot on the All‑FCSAA Team.
What Happens When a Coach Moves on?
When former head coach Jeremy Shulman hopped up to the NCAA‑Division I ranks at UT‑Martin after his first year, Erkins‑Ford had the instinct to follow suit. Instead, the sophomore decided to play the waiting game, waiting to see who’d step in as his next mentor.
“I thank Jeremy Shulman for the trust he placed in me and for recruiting that guy from the start,” Thomas Gray, the current men’s basketball coach at Eastern Florida State, reflected. “He’s a guy who didn’t know me yet, but when we sat down and I shared my vision, he bought in instantly. That’s the sort of loyalty that changes a program.”
Summer Grind: A Tale of Sweat and Determination
Gray recalls that offseason as a “hard‑core training camp.” Both Erkins‑Ford and teammate Corey Caulker threw themselves into the gym, with Erkins‑Ford letting us see the grind from June onward. “Seeing his development has been pure evidence of the countless hours he put in,” Gray told reporters. “He could have just slipped away, but he chose to fight. And trust me, he’s only scratched the surface of what he can do.”
Stat‑Streak: Numbers That Tells a Story
- >15.6 points per game and 6.7 rebounds across the season.
- Five double‑doubles.
- Scored 632 points and collected 305 rebounds over two years.
- Block out of 88 shots.
- Started every one of the 26 games, scoring 10+ points in 24 of them.
Gray couldn’t help but gush, “He’s one of the most dominant forwards out there right now. The guy can handle the wall, score from close‑ups, but also craft his own offense and even drop a sharp pass when the moment calls for it. On the defensive side, his footwork is top‑tier.”
All‑FCSAA: Two Titans, One Achievement
With 12 top players in the state, the All‑FCSAA Team highlights the cream of the crop. This year, both Erkins‑Ford and Corey Caulker earned their places — the first time since 2016 that two Titans have earned state recognition.
Upcoming Clash: Next‑Level Showdown
Eastern Florida State is set to ignite the FCSAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament this Thursday. Prepare for a showdown as the Titans take on Pensacola State College on 2 p.m. EDT at Northwest Florida State College in Niceville.
Brevard County’s Hot Scoop! “Space Coast Daily” Spills the Tea for March 10, 2025
From the Front of the Press to Your Screen
Hold onto your reading glasses—this is the freshest headline that’s sure to keep the locals buzzing. Space Coast Daily News proudly brings you the latest edition, calling itself Brevard County’s best newspaper and proving why it’s the go‑to source for all things rocket‑related.
- Galactic Buzz: The spaceport unveils brand‑new tech that could rewrite the calendar of tomorrow.
- Local heroes are getting all the glory for their roles in the next big launch.
- You’ll get a sneak peek at what the frontier may hold in the next few moments.
That’s only the tip of the iceberg—keep your eyes peeled as we gush out fresh stories faster than the solar winds!