by Alex Schwartz

While Marquis Teague's commitment to Kentucky made national headlines on Thursday, a local dual-sport standout also made his college choice that day. Chandler Fraser-Pauls '11 of The Pennington School (NJ) committed to Lafayette on a soccer scholarship, in news that was broken by Northstar Basketball via Twitter. A point guard on the hardwood, the 5'11 Fraser-Pauls will also be a recruited walk-on the Leopards' hoops team.

"I loved the coaches and players and just everything about Lafayette, the campus the location, everything," said Fraser-Pauls on how he picked the Patriot League school. "They really wanted me and the combination of atheltics and education is perfect. It is a special place."

Fraser-Pauls said that he also considered "Boston U, Bucknell, Cornell, Villanova, and Elon, among others" for soccer. In basketball, the schools that were on his list included "Vermont, Davidson, Elon, and most of the Patriot League and Ivy League".

"I am very excited to have the opportunity and privelege to play two sports at Lafayette, but soccer will be my first priority. I am so excited to be heading to Lafayette," remarked the newest Leopard.

Clearly talented in both soccer and basketball, and with multiple options in both sports, Fraser-Pauls commented on how he decided to pursue soccer as his primary sport. "The opportunity that was presented at Lafayette was amazing. I decided I want to take my soccer game to the next level and the coaches at Lafayette will help me do that."

Fraser-Pauls, who was named the Prep Player of the Year in Mercer County by a local newspaper for soccer his sophomore year and then for basketball his junior year, is going to have the chance to walk-on to the hoops team, but not until he finishes up with soccer.

"I will have the opportunity to walk-on the basketball [team] after soccer season is over. Soccer is my first priority and basketball will only come into the picture once soccer season is fully over."

Asked if this arrangement has already been worked out with the Lafeyette hoops coaches, who led the team to the Patriot League Tournament championship game this year, Fraser-Pauls replied, "Yes, but we will sit down and talk about it again after soccer season is over."

While Chandler Fraser-Pauls' decision might not be a conventional one, he is happy with his choice and will have the great chance to pursue two sports at the collegiate level at a prestigious academic institution.

Note- photo is from http://www.mctanj.com/