By Jimmy Allinder
Even before Michael Granda learned a basketball was round, he was being instructed in the game’s fundamentals.
His father, Lou, would lean over his infant son’s crib while he slept and gently whisper, “follow through.” Granda must have subconsciously heeded his dad’s admonition because as the youngster grew, so did his accuracy shooting the ball.
Granda grew up to be a talented player and enrolled at Saint Joseph High School of Metuchen, which, in addition to being one of the perennial high school basketball powerhouses in New Jersey, offers an academically challenging and rewarding education. Granda has capitalized on both fronts.
Born and raised in Monroe Township, Granda is about to enter his senior year and has played with the varsity team since 2013-14 — the season Karl-Anthony Towns, among other stars, led the Falcons to the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions title.
In the classroom, Granda has achieved a 4.25 grade-point average and participates in the school’s Medical Club, Bio Ethics Society and Peer Mentors. He is also a member of St. Joe’s National Honor Society chapter and volunteers for Special Olympics and The Best Day Foundation.
Where Granda goes to college depends on whether he plays basketball. If academics are his top priority, he could enroll at Villanova University, Fordham University, the University of North Carolina, the University of Maryland or possibly Dartmouth College.
If basketball remains in the picture, Granda could wind up at The College of New Jersey, University of Scranton or Franklin & Marshall University, among others.
“When I decided St. Joe’s was the place for me, academics, basketball, the culture and environment were factors,” Granda said. “I also talked to a close friend and St. Joe’s graduate, Dom Morelli, and he said the school truly prepared him for college.”
Granda’s decision to play at St. Joe’s, which currently has a roster stocked with gifted players competing for court time, is another example of the confident youngster shooting for the stars. He could have remained home and become the top player for the high school team and be with some of his closest friends.
Granda’s success as a 10-year-old member of the Dirty Birds recreation travel baseball team, and later as a 13-year-old, might have enticed him to make small ball his sport. The all-star team finished third in the 2009 Cal Ripken World Series and three years later, the Dirty Birds took third again in their age group.
To this day, Granda says his most memorable sports moment came during the first run when Monroe hosted the regional championship game.
“The team was awe-struck by all the fans that lined the fences,” he said. “We won, 2-0, against a tough Clifton Park (New York) [team] and advanced to the World Series in Colorado. We were literally speechless because of what we accomplished, and listening to the cheers made it even better.”
Granda said he thought about playing baseball as a freshman but decided against it.
“It was a heart-wrenching decision,” he said. “But during our second run with the Dirty Birds, I was hit by a pitch and broke my elbow, which required surgery. I knew then my baseball days were numbered. To this day, I have a close bond with my teammates (many of whom will be seniors at Monroe).”
Despite being surrounded by talented teammates on the basketball court, some of whom tower over Granda, he has thrived in the competitive environment. He blended in immediately as a freshman and was rewarded with playing time. His action has increased each season, and he relishes blending in with the high-octane rotation.
Granda also plays AAU basketball for Team Nation and credits his coach, Justin Razzano, with helping his game reach a higher level.
“I feel the word ‘coach’ is used loosely because it really is a big responsibility,” Granda said. “I’m extremely thankful I learned from people like Larry Macaro, Bob Turco, Bill Kildoff, Eric Lemberakis, Mark Nichols, Jose Rodriquez and [St. Joe’s coach] Dave Turco (in addition to his father and Razzano). As for who’s my biggest fan, that’s my mother, [Maria].”
Since Granda is an only child, his life changed dramatically two years ago when the family hosted and became guardian to Branislav Vujadinovic, who comes from Serbia. Vujadinovic starred at St. Joe’s, graduated and will play at Assumption College in Massachusetts this fall.
Granda knows his decision about where to attend college is fast approaching. Whichever school he picks, Granda takes comfort in the knowledge he has the unconditional support of his parents.
“Without my family, nothing I have accomplished would have been possible,” he said. “My parents mean the world to me, and I am so fortunate to have them in my life. They push me to give my best, especially sports. My dad was my first basketball coach and taught me so much along with lessons in living life.”
Before Granda ever learned to walk and talk.
