Most student-athletes are content with retiring from their respective game once they are done with college, but there are a few who have the drive and the passion to continue to master their craft and be the best they can be.
Marywood Senior Cory Callejas is one of those few.

The Digital Media and Broadcasting major is in his final semester at Marywood, having played for the Marywood men’s basketball team for the last four years.

Callejas now plays for the Philadelphia Cannons, an American Basketball Association (ABA) team in its inaugural season.

He says this is a big stepping stone on his way to continuing his basketball career.

“I’d like to play overseas,” Callejas said. “That’d be fun. I just want to play as long as I could.”

The upcoming ABA season will be a year of development for both Callejas and the Cannons, as they look to make big splashes in their first year of competition.
Head coach and owner of the Cannons, Roger Beckwith, commented on the initial season.

“I think the talent level is there to compete with any team in the ABA,” Beckwith said. “It needs to be.”

Beckwith leads a busy life playing multiple roles for the team, which he started himself.

“I’ve got my family there with me running concessions, washing laundry, picking up players — we do just about everything.” Beckwith explained. “I’m totally committed to this, I’m not afraid to fail.”

As for how different ABA life is compared to college basketball life, Callejas believes it is all in the team chemistry.

“I played with the same people all throughout college, I got used to them. We knew each other really well. It’s different (in Philadelphia) because it’s a lot of people I don’t know,” said Callejas.

Most players on the Cannon’s roster came from the Philadelphia area, with Callejas being one of the few exceptions. There are some players from nearby universities like Cabrini and Bloomsburg on the team roster as well.

When asked about how Callejas has played with the team so far, Beckwith gave him high praise.

“We needed shooters and he provides elite shooting. He’s a total basketball player. I’m looking forward to him making major contributions to the Cannons,” said Beckwith.
When asked what his ultimate goal was, Callejas was adamant about his playing future.

“I hope to continue to grow as a basketball player. This is a great opportunity for me. I want to put my all into it.” said Callejas.

The Cannons open up the season Saturday, Oct. 29 as they travel to Elmira, New York to take on the Eagles.

You can follow the team on Twitter @Philly_Cannons_ or on Facebook: The Philly Cannons

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Twitter: @AEidenTWW