Alumni Athlete of the Month: CJ Keyser '16

Matt Lawlor

Jan 1 2021

Alum of the Month-January
CJ Keyser ’16
North Carolina Central University-Basketball

We ring in the new year celebrating another basketball player from our program that has sent so many on to the next level and beyond. CJ Keyser ’16 is off to a great start in his senior year starring at guard for North Carolina Central University. Keyser, a Baltimore native, attended Brewster for a post-graduate year and served as captain for Coach Jason Smith, whose team that year won the Lakes Region League and advanced to the Final Four of the National Prep School Tournament. Keyser did it all for the Bobcats that season and earned All-NEPSAC honors, finishing the year ranked as a Top 20 guard by ESPN. Upon graduation, CJ attended Wichita State where he played for two seasons for the Shockers before transferring to North Carolina Central in Durham, N.C.

Keyser had a major impact last season and helped NCCU to a regular season and Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference title and a berth in the NCAA field of 64. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, that event was canceled. But Keyser has picked up right where he left off as he started the season being named the MEAC Player of the Week— he has the Eagles rolling as they head into conference play in the coming weeks.

“CJ was a key component of our Lakes Region League championship squad that year,” noted Coach Smith. “As one of our captains, he provided tremendous leadership and was an outstanding defender. We are very proud of the success he has achieved and wish him well in the future.”

Keyser, an Interdisciplinary Studies major, is excited to be on the floor competing with his teammates this year and has hopes of getting another shot at the NCAA tournament in March! Congratulations on being named our Alum of the Month, and best of luck, CJ!

See our interview below:

Feature photo courtesy of Dyann Busse