Decision time is coming soon for Marian Catholic’s James Bullock Jr.
Colleges are looking at the 6-foot-7 senior as a forward in basketball or as a middle hitter in volleyball. Those seasons overlap in college, making it difficult to play both at the next level.
One of Bullock’s options, however, is to try doing just that at North Central College.
“They were up front with me and said I would have to finish basketball season before I could start volleyball,” Bullock said. “I could do both, but it would be a lot on the body from one to the next.”
It’s a tough decision for Bullock, who loves both sports equally.
Along with the NCC situation, Bullock has between five and 10 other schools interested in him for volleyball or basketball and a Division I school attempting to coax him to walk on for basketball.
“I’m getting close,” he said. “The next couple of weeks, I will make my decision.”
For now, Bullock is enjoying what he hopes will be record-shattering season for the Spartans.
Marian (16-2) won its second tournament in as many weekends Saturday in the eight-team Cardinal Invite at Eisenhower in Blue Island. The Spartans beat St. Laurence 25-18, 22-25, 15-10 for the championship.
Bullock’s volleyball resume is short. He played a year in middle school, never played club and joined Marian’s team as a junior.
His first varsity action came against powerhouse Lincoln-Way East, and that was an education.
“At the beginning, I was very lost,” he said. “It was all fast — really fast. I had to adjust to that.”
Marian Catholic’s James Bullock, Jr. leaps for a block against Lemont in pool play of the Cardinal Invite at Eisenhower in Blue Island on Saturday, April 13, 2024. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
Despite the rude awakening, Bullock wasn’t discouraged, turning into a kill and blocking machine.
“I had a couple of good moments, so I felt I could get better,” he said of his debut. “It’s wasn’t a matter of not wanting to do this anymore. It was a matter of learning what I can do to get better.
“My teammates, coaches and parents were all encouraging, and I was able to get better.”
Last season, the Spartans hit the high-water mark in wins with 29. They also won the first regional title in program history.
Bullock, setter Justin McGary and hitters Boluwatife Osibogun and Phoenix McGruder are senior who hope to surpass last spring’s accomplishments.
“We want to make it to state this year,” Bullock said. “Last year, we were in the sectional semifinal and lost to Marist. This year, the goal is to be better than last year.
“We want a better record than last year and to get further in the playoffs than last year.”
Brother Rice’s Tater Klinger celebrates with his teammates after beating Providence during a Catholic League crossover match in Chicago on Tuesday, April 9, 2024. (Jeff Vorva / Daily Southtown)
Not salad, not tot, but Tater
Everyone in Brother Rice’s volleyball circles knows the junior middle hitter as Tater Klinger.
Every team roster lists him as “Tater,” even though his given name is Nathaniel.
“He only goes by Tater,” coach Brandon McGinnis said.
Klinger also was known as Tater when he played sports at St. John Fischer as well as in travel baseball and AAU basketball.
“When I was little, my cousin couldn’t pronounce my name and said ‘Tater,’’’ Klinger said. “I’ve been called that ever since.”
National interest in local tourney
The 24-team Smack Attack, which will be played Friday and Saturday at Brother Rice, Mother McAuley and the Oak Lawn Pavilion, features plenty of Illinois talent.
That includes the host Crusaders, Marist, two-time defending state champion Glenbard West, York and a slew of Southland teams.
There are also two heavies from Kentucky in Trinity and St. Xavier. In the future, the Smack Attack could draw more out-of-state teams.
“There are some teams from California who have expressed interest in playing here,” McGinnis said. “If teams decide to drop out, we may be bringing in teams from there.”
Jeff Vorva is a freelance reporter for the Daily Southtown.
