The Bulldogs will rely on a pair of senior guards to lead their team in 2013 as the NSIC North's Preseason Player of the Year, Brett Ervin, was sidelined by an injury. As the only Bulldog to see the court in every game the past three seasons, Crawford will use his experience to lead a young UMD squad.

"Pete has a tremendous passion for the game of basketball," said head coach Matt Bowen. "[He's]always one of the first guys to arrive and one of the last ones to leave." Wearing the number 10 in honor of Tim Hardaway, Crawford says the best part about playing hoops for the Bulldogs is "getting an opportunity to do something I love everyday." He chose UMD because of "the great opportunity to play college basketball in a great city," as well as the University of Minnesota degree.

Crawford, a Communication major with a coaching minor, will look into opportunities to be a graduate assistant coach when he's finished up his Bulldog career. His favorite college course, not surprisingly was "coaching and officiating basketball." The men in stripes had better be on their game with Crawford's knowledge gained in that class. Starting basketball at the age of six, Crawford credits his parents as the biggest influence on his athletic career. His favorite hoops moment at UMD was knocking off then-No. 5 Winona State 75-72 in his freshman season at Romano Gym. Crawford had five points and a block in the tight win which featured 11 ties and no team leading by more than four. UMD pulled away in the final moments and held on after a late three by the Warriors.
 
Crawford is truly a student of the game: when he's not playing, his favorite pastime is watching basketball on television. Even with a strong basketball IQ, he will need to make one purchase before starting his coaching career: a whistle, as he confessed to not being able to do it on his own.

"I am looking forward to seeing all of his hard work pay off for both him and the team this season," said Coach Bowen. With a pair of wins already under their belts, the Bulldogs will look to build off that success moving forward.

BUZZER BEATERS
Favorite...
• Pro Athlete: Kevin Love
• Professional Team: Minnesota Timberwolves
• TV Show: Breaking Bad
• Band/Artist: Drake
• Book: Sacred Hoops, Phil Jackson
• Actor: Denzel Washington
• Actress: Eva Mendes
• Movie: Dumb and Dumber
• Food: Chicken Wings
• Restaurant: Mexico Lindo or Uncle Loui's
• Vacation Spot: San Diego
• Opponent: Concordia-St. Paul
• Game: NBA 2k
• Website: ESPN.com

Person you'd like to meet: Michael Jordan

Other sport you'd like to try: Water polo

Biggest basketball strength: attacking the basket

Biggest basketball weakness: my strength

If you could change one thing: "I'd be taller."

Prized possession: "my Jordans"

Can't leave home without: cellphone

Biggest fear: heights

Pet peeve: when people stare
 
First job: Gold caddy (13)

Game Day Ritual: "I take a hot shower."

Advice to Young Athletes: "Push yourself and work hard, because hard work pays off."