Glover doing it all for high-flying TCNJ
If a team is going to be successful, it needs a player who works tirelessly, often behind the scenes, to just get the job done and usually without the fanfare that might surround others.
Jordan Glover is that player, and unsung hero, for The College of New Jersey.
The Lions (12-3, 7-1 NJAC) are off to their best start since 2004-05 and Glover has been in the middle of it.
“He is having yet another solid season for us,” said TCNJ coach Matt Goldsmith. “He is very important to what we do. We have thrown a ton of things at him this year and he’s taken it all in stride, whether it be playing multiple positions, finishing inside and out and grabbing rebounds for us. His daily energy is a huge boost to the team and he always has a smile on his face.”
Glover, from Lawrence High, is a junior and he burst on the TCNJ scene as a freshman recording four double-doubles in his first seven games. He notched his career high of 21 points that season in a New Jersey Athletic Conference playoff upset of Ramapo as the Lions reached the conference finals.
“I am a complete different player from Lawrence and my freshman year here,” said Glover. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge from my coaching staff and my teammates over the years and I’ve definitely matured in this game. I’ve been put in many circumstances by my head coach, Matt Goldsmith, who has allowed me to humble myself and learn from my mistakes on and off the court.”
There is a lot of blue and gold history in the Glover family as Jordan’s dad, Jimmy (aka Doctor Love), was a key performer on the Lions’ greatest team, the 1988-89 team that went 30-2 and reached the NCAA Division III championship game.
“It’s definitely an honor every time I step on the court knowing my dad gave it his all in his three years at the college,” said Jordan. “His historic 30-2 season is reminded every time I step on the court and see the banner hanging on the wall. I’m definitely looking forward to keeping this tradition going.”
Glover will join his teammates this Wednesday as they face Rutgers-Camden (3-12, 1-8 NJAC) and then on Saturday against Kean (511, 3-6 NJAC).
He averages 9.1 points, grabs 4.3 rebounds and has a field goal percentage of 46.8.
“I’ve learned there is no secret to success,” said Glover. “Success is the result of learning from failure. I’ve had a roller coaster of emotions since I stepped foot on campus. Whether its dealing with classes or coming up short on an NJAC championship. But the biggest reward of it all is representing The College of New Jersey and the men’s basketball team.”
A Health and Exercise Science major, Glover wouldn’t be shocked if he ended up on the sidelines coaching one day. “I’m going to use this game to help me perfect mine and the lives of others,” said Glover. “Basketball isn’t a sport to me, it’s my life and it’s something I plan on continuing until I have accomplished all my dreams.”