Relaxed and finessed, he sinks a three point shot. While he took a step back from the shot, the clock keeper for the summer league game finished the countdown, “2-1-0.” Without even realizing how much time he had left, the game winning shot was a cool and composed 3-pointer from then, high school senior, Fran Rafferty.
This was the first time that Cabrini’s men’s basketball coach, Marcus Kahn had the privilege of watching Rafferty play. Kahn saw the potential and wanted Rafferty on his team.
After many conversations of goals and where he would fit into Cabrini’s basketball program, Rafferty felt that Kahn was someone he wanted to be coached by. He saw that Kahn was ready to build a program that other teams feared.
When Rafferty was in his final stages of his decision on which school was the best fit to continue his education, he was often asked if he was sure about Cabrini. Being from Upper Merion, he had grown up in this area, it was his home.
Living on campus Rafferty didn’t feel as though he was too close to home, and he loved the idea of being able to easily go home for a home-cooked meal.
Going into his senior season, Rafferty has built himself some fairly high expectations.
In the three previous years Rafferty was a consistent player. Working hard for a place in the starting line up, he captured the spot freshman year and has not let it go since. This will also be his third year as one of the cavalier’s captains.
Speaking on character, Kahn says that Rafferty is exactly the type of player that Cabrini men’s basketball looks for. Kahn closed his thoughts on Rafferty saying, “I have a six year-old son. Hope he can grow up and be like Fran.”
When asked about his expectations for the year, Rafferty never keeps the focus on himself for long. He spends his time focusing on the positives and strengths of his teammates, noticing that all can contribute in some way to a winning season.
Rafferty stressed that for him and his fellow senior teammates, it is a large adjustment being the oldest. They have discussed what an unusual feeling it is being on the court without their teammates that graduated last May.
Still feeling the sting from the loss in the national championship game his sophomore year Rafferty says, “This is my last shot at it… 33 games to get us back in the national championship. If we get back there I will do whatever it takes to win this time around.”
