WINTHROP — Lynn native and Winthrop basketball senior Tayjaun McKenzie has finally made his decision. McKenzie will continue his career as a student athlete at Division III Fitchburg State, where he’ll join the men’s basketball team.
McKenzie made his decision official last week. He also considered a handful of other schools including Worcester State, Assumption College, Nichols College, Post University and Rhode Island College. In the end, Fitchburg State stood out as the right fit.
“I was looking at Post University. It’s a Division II school but I didn’t feel it was the right fit for me,” McKenzie, a three-year starter at guard, said. “When I went to Fitchburg, the players were very nice to me and I immediately felt at home. The players kept in touch with me and made me feel at home. The coaches are also great.
“It was a stressful process, going to visits every other weekend,” McKenzie added. “I missed a few practices during the season to go on school tours and visits. It’s a great relief.”
The Falcons finished the 2017-2018 season with a 13-15 record. They upset Salem State in the MASCAC Tournament but fell one win shy of qualifying for the Division III NCAA Tournament with a loss to Bridgewater State in the conference championship game.
“I think I can bring offense to the team, that’s one of the strongest points of my game,” McKenzie said. “I can bring a lot of energy and positive vibes. I think I can bring a city type of game, being from Lynn. I’m very family oriented and I think I can bring camaraderie to the team.”
Fitchburg is coached by Saugus native Titus Manderson. A former player and assistant coach at Salem State, Manderson has directed Fitchburg for five seasons.
“I’ve heard a lot of good things about him (Manderson),” McKenzie said. “A lot of coaches have told me he’s a great coach to play for.”
“Coach Manderson’s a great guy,” Winthrop coach David Sacco, also a Saugus resident, said. “He loves the game and he turned the Fitchburg program around. I couldn’t be happier for Tayjaun because he’ll be playing for a great coach. I think it’s a great fit for both and I think it’s an absolute steal for Fitchburg State.”
McKenzie, a 1,000-point scorer at Winthrop, helped lead the Vikings to the Division 4 North state tournament during his senior season. He posted averages of 17.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists per game, earning NEC All-Conference honors.
Winthrop defeated Excel in the first round before falling short in an overtime loss to Pope John, the eventual Division 4 state champion, in the second round.
“I think we could’ve done a few things better but other than that loss to Pope John I have no regrets,” McKenzie said. “I think we would’ve won Division 4 North if we had won that game. I have a lot of respect for my coaches and teammates because we played our best.”
Sacco has nothing but confidence in McKenzie as the senior readies for his next endeavor.
“He’s hard to guard,” Sacco said. “If you’re trying to defend him, he has such a quick first step and he gets by you. He can pull up and shoot the three consistently. I think that’ll translate at the next level. He can pull up and shoot the ball. He can put the ball on the floor and go to the rim. His length and his size will also translate to the college game. He’ll be able to defend on the perimeter.
“A lot of people know what Tayjaun does on the court,” Sacco added. “He’s a good on-the-ball and off-the-ball defender. I’m proud of the young man he’s become. The sky’s the limit for him. As a coach, I can’t wait to watch him play next year.”
