Note: This is the fourth story in the Off The Court basketball series which features the incoming men's basketballs student-athletes. For a complete list of previous stories in this series, please vist the Off The Court web page.

                Getting a head start can provide such an advantage to an athlete in regard to training and acclimation especially when going from one level to the next. Jesus Cruz has been fortunate to earn that edge as a student-athlete since coming to Connecticut as a member of the Loomis Chaffee basketball team. Besides continuing his education at the prep school, he also was able to become accustom to climate and style of play at the school which is based in Connecticut.

                "I did a postgraduate year at Loomis Chaffee School last year," Cruz said. "It was a great education and better basketball play than in Puerto Rico. It was tough to adjust to it at first, but I dealt with it fine. After school ended, I came to Fairfield and now have the opportunity I have always wanted."

                The guard even received a head start on the 2017-18 basketball season, his first with the Fairfield University program. Cruz played for Puerto Rico in the FIBA Championship before arriving at on the Fairfield campus. Just weeks after coming to campus, Cruz departed with his new teammates for a trip to Italy, a 10-day journey that sent the team throughout the country for games against Italian club and national teams.

                "It was a great experience to see new cultures and see new style of basketball because you play so many teams from around the world," Cruz said. "Representing your country is a great experience and something I would never say no to when asked. The Italy trip helped me get to know my teammates both on the court and off the court. Just like playing FIBA, it's great to have so many styles and cultures in the locker room."

                Puerto Rico finished the FIBA tournament in ninth place with a 3-4 record, losing its first four games before winning its final three contests. Cruz averaged 13.4 points per game in his seven appearances with a tournament best 21 points against France, one of his four double-digit performances during the championship. He was eighth in scoring and second in steals for the entire tournament led the team in scoring efficiency.

                Cruz has been involved with Puerto Rico basketball for several years, playing in the FIBA Central America championships in 2015, the North and South America Championships in 2016, and the U-19 World Cup in 2017. As a student, Cruz attended St. Francis School in Puerto Rico, starting in kindergarten and progressing through the 10th grade. He came to the United States and attended Immaculata-LaSalle High School in Miami before doing a postgraduate year at Loomis-Chaffee School which is located in Windsor, Conn.

                "I spent a year in Connecticut last year so I am familiar with being here," Cruz said. "It was a prep school so it gave me a good idea of what college life would be like, especially with going to classes, going to the gym, and living on campus."

                The adjustment also included a change in lifestyle not to mention the climate difference, something that always seems to surprise even the most prepared person.

                "Puerto Rico is more laid back than here," Cruz said. "Here, you have to work, work, work or get left behind. In Puerto Rico, it's the island life, more relaxed. The weather is certainly different. Last year was the first time I saw snow. They told me that it was a mild winter but I still put three t-shirts, a jacket, and a coat on to keep warm. Yea, I'd love it to be 80 degrees year round but that's not going to happen."

                One thing aspect of Cruz's life that will not need any adjustment is his play on the basketball court. While the collegiate game may be faster and more physical, the guard has the fundamentals and capabilities to make an impact right from the start.

                "I am a shooting guard but can lay a lot of positions, mainly one through four," Cruz said. "I am a very versatile player who likes to attack and slash to the basket. Offensively, I am a scorer and can shoot the three pointer. Defensively, I can compete and get steals. I can do the dirty work that will help the team. Most importantly, I am a player that cares about the result – winning the game."

                Cruz shares the same passion for his time off the court especially when it comes to the classroom.

                "I have not declared a major yet, but I like biology and sports medicine," Cruz said. "I know Fairfield has a great business school so I am excited about the possibilities here at Fairfield and in making the decision about my major. I know that basketball is not going to last forever so I really want to get a degree and be prepared for life after I finish playing."

                Between classes and basketball, Cruz might have trouble finding some down time. But when he does have a spare hour or two, he likes to focus on his love of music and the potential competitiveness of a video game against a teammate.

                "I like listening to music and I can dance too," Cruz said. "I am a huge video game fan as well. I like to play NBA 2K, FIFA, and Call of Duty, but like a lot of other video games as well. I haven't played my teammates in 2K but there has been a lot of trash talking."

                Trash talk aside, Cruz seems comfortable in his new surroundings with his new teammates. He appears ready to accept the challenges and demands that will be brought forth both academically and athletically. And, his previous experience with the brutality of a Connecticut winter is offset by his casual demeanor. It's amazing what a head start can do.