Maginn basketball star rising

Taran Buie has been playing basketball since he was in 4th grade. Now 6 feet 3 inches tall and 180 pounds, he recalls one advantage he always held against his competition.

"I was always taller than everyone," Taran said about his early years on the court. "But I would say my 8th grade year was when I realized I was really good." 

Using the term "really good" seems to be an understatement when describing the stand-out shooting guard on the Maginn High School Griffins. 

Taran, 17, is entering his junior year already with a number of credentials under his belt. Scout Inc., a part of ESPN, has ranked Taran in their top 40 college prospects for the class of 2010; his name can be found in countless other top 100 college prospects lists. 

Then there is always the State Championship he won with the Griffins last year. 
His name has been linked to Division I colleges across the nation. 

Coaches in waiting
Jim Boeheim, the Hall of Fame coach for Syracuse University, was on hand to watch Taran and his team in the state semi-finals and finals last year. Georgia Tech head coach, and former Siena head coach, Paul Hewitt was also on hand. Billy Donovan, head coach of the 2006 and 2007 National Champion Florida Gators, has also been known to be keeping an eye on the junior guard.

"It feels good," Taran said about the national attention he is receiving. "It's definitely a big accomplishment. I feel very rewarded." 

Despite all of that, Taran does his best to keep himself grounded.

Team player
"I understand there's a time when I can take over," he said, "but for the most part I know coach has surrounded me with good people."

"Sometimes you want him to take over," Coach Rich Hurley interrupted. 

Taran's success is not a family coincidence. 

Taran's brother Talor Battle, who also led Bishop Maginn to a State Championship game in 2007, became the starting point guard as a freshman for Penn State last year. Taran credits a lot of his success to his older brother.

"I mean, he's definitely helped me out with opening some doors" he said. "He's also helped me grow up."

While growing up will always be a key attribute to any teenagers life, Taran was quick to point out with a chuckle, "I'm still a kid and still learning."

Growing in faith
Off the court, Taran described himself as hard working and willing to help people. One trait he does not associate himself with is shyness.

"I get Mr. Personality a lot," he said laughing. "I'm not shy to introducing myself to anyone."

Faith is also a part of Taran Buie on the court.

"We pray every game and stuff like that," he said. "I also say a prayer to myself before every game."

Where he will attend college has yet to be announced, but Taran knows what he wants to go to school for.

"I want to be a businessman. I'm going to major in Engineering in college."

For now, however, Taran will do his business on the court.

(12/11/08)