FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (November 4, 2022) – Despite being a new face around Northern Arizona University's campus,
Xavier Fuller fits into the Lumberjacks' basketball program as though he's been around for years.
This is in no small part due to the relationship he and Lumberjacks head coach
Shane Burcar have built over the years. Burcar was Fuller's basketball coach at Mesa High School and has known the now graduate student for years. Both Burcar and Fuller say this relationship played a large role in his decision to transfer to Northern Arizona for the final year of his collegiate eligibility.
"Coach Burcar was my high school coach and we've always had a connection," Fuller said. "Getting to play for him is huge. When I was done in South Dakota, he was the first coach to call me and it just showed me how much I meant to him."
Not only did Burcar coach Fuller in high school, but he also coached his older brother Aaron. Knowing Fuller for so long not only played a role in his decision to come to Northern Arizona, but Burcar says it was a big reason the coaching staff decided to recruit him.
"I've known Xavier since he was a little kid," Burcar said. "I've known his family forever. I actually recruited him when I was the interim head coach, but no one was sure how long I'd be here. I called him right when he went into the transfer portal because I know the kind of character he is and the competitor he is. He brings everything we want to NAU basketball, and we believe the sky's the limit for him."
Getting up to Flagstaff has been a long journey for Fuller who started his collegiate career at Scottsdale Community College, before making the jump to South Dakota.
Although making it to a Division I school was always the ultimate goal, it meant putting in a considerable amount of hard work. In his second season at SCC, Fuller started 30 games, averaging nearly 35 minutes and 23 points per game. Just a year prior, he had started just 3 games and averaged less than 18 minutes with six points per game. After transferring to South Dakota, he saw a similar upward trajectory in his two seasons playing for the Coyotes. Fuller worked his way into the starting lineup after only three games with the program and ended the year averaging nearly 28 minutes and 8.9 points per game. He began his second season on a high, starting the first 12 contests and averaging nearly 13 points per game. However, an injury then sidelined him for more than a month, and Fuller returned to the floor with a new perspective.
"I learned how to take care of myself more outside of basketball," Fuller said. "Coming here, I'm on a great rehab cycle and I'm getting treatment every day so I'll be ready to go. It just really taught me that my body is my pride, so I need to take care of it."
Burcar has kept an eye on Fuller's development in the years since he graduated from Mesa. Fuller's development into a legitimate threat on the court is something that has never surprised Burcar, but has made him immensely proud. Despite not being recruited to a Division I school immediately, Burcar always knew that he would get there eventually.
"They did a great job with his development in Scottsdale," Burcar said. "He's had some really good coaches and I can tell he's a lot calmer and more mature as a player. I would always check his box score and watch his clips after every game when he was at Scottsdale and South Dakota. I root for all my former players, and I want them to have success. I always knew that he'd work his way up to a Division I school. If I had been a college coach at the time, he would have played Division I right out of high school."
Having a preexisting relationship with his former coach, and having played under him just a few years prior, has aided Fuller's transition into Northern Arizona's system. Both Fuller and Burcar feel as though they haven't skipped a beat and picked up right where they left off four years ago. Although the location has changed, the principles, beliefs, and goals that Burcar preaches to his team have not.
"Coach Burcar knows winning basketball and he knows I want to win," Fuller said. "Everyone on this team believes in the same goal, and it's so easy to play with a group of guys that share that. Nothing has really changed, he holds the same principles and beliefs which has made my transition pretty easy."
Fuller, despite only joining the team this summer, is already a veteran presence and leader for the Lumberjacks.
"Having that preexisting relationship with Xavier lets me be more of myself," Burcar said. "He, along with all the returners, can really echo what we're saying as coaches and can encourage the other guys. I've noticed if I'm getting on someone, he'll go up and pat them on the back and say 'let's go and move on.' He can go in and let them know that it's not personal."
Coming to Northern Arizona meant more for Fuller than simply reuniting with his high school coach. Fuller grew up in Mesa and sought a place closer to home for his final year. He believes in the program, and the culture the coaches and his teammates have put together with the Lumberjacks. Fuller wants to bring his game in to make the program that much stronger, and has high hopes for this season while putting in the work that it takes to get there.
"I want to be a player here that is able to create opportunities," Fuller said. "I want to get downhill, get to the middle and open things up. I want to really make the defense have to guard and respect everyone so we can look for guys with easy shots, and make sure I knock down my midrange shots. I'm looking forward to winning; winning the Big Sky and going dancing. That's what we've been talking about since we got here in May."
