College basketball: Judge's Cremer adjusts to game at Westminster

The pace was a lot faster than Joe Cremer thought it would be.

Cremer stepped onto the court at Westminster College for the first time, meeting his new teammates and beginning the transition from Judge Memorial to the Griffins.

The 6-foot-1 guard is a natural shooter who racked up 488 points, including 94 3-pointers with the Bulldogs. But it is now a whole new game.

"It's refreshing being the new guy on the team," he said. "Nobody expects a lot from me, but I expect a lot for myself. It's a new motivation to help push me to get better."

Cremer will play both of the guard spots at Westminster, but he sees himself moving away from his shooting guard position and playing more point guard. It's one of the many new challenges that he is undertaking since graduating.

"The guys have been pushing me every day to improve my game," he said. "As an undersized player, I need to find ways to help on the court."

Westminster basketball coach Adam Hiatt is excited about the potential Cremer brings to the team. Cremer brings a toughness that Hiatt expects to see from the first-year college player.

"Joe has a zero intimidation factor, which is a great attribute to have," Hiatt said. "He doesn't shy away from contact and gets to the rim with reckless abandonment."

Cremer also plans to run the 400, 800 and 1,600 meters for the Griffins track team.

"It's a great way for me to get in the best shape and be ready for the basketball season," he said. "I'm loving the pace of practice and playing here at Westminster." —