February 10, 2002

FURMAN'S JOHN BARRY NUSUM DRAFTED BY COLUMBUS CREW;
FORMER PALADIN ALVAREZ RE-DRAFTED IN THIRD ROUND

GREENVILLE -- Furman's John Barry Nusum was drafted in the third round of the 2002 Major League Soccer draft on Sunday by the Columbus Crew. Nusum, a native of Devonshire, Bermuda was selected as the 35th overall pick in the draft.

Nusum leaves Furman as the Paladins' all-time leader with 61 career goals and 161 career points. Nusum was a three-time first team All-American selection and was one of the top three vote-getters for the prestigious Hermann Trophy. Nusum, who has already signed a contract with Major League Soccer, was also named the 2001 Southern Conference Player-of-the-Year as he notched 16 goals and seven assists for 39 points during the 2001 season.

"John Barry meant a lot to this program over the last four years and I believe he will be an excellent professional soccer player," said Furman head coach Doug Allison.

Nusum's selection in the MLS draft came on the heels of his participation in the 2002 Umbro Select College All-Star Classic in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Nusum, along with teammate Matt Goldsmith, played in the East-West All-Star match with 30 other college seniors and was given the opportunity to showcase his talents in combines attended by MLS scouts last weekend.

Joining Nusum in the 2002 MLS draft was former Furman standout Daniel Alvarez ('00). Alvarez, the Paladins' all-time leader in career assists with 41 and the 1999 Southern Conference Player-of-the-Year, was selected in the third round by the Colorado Rapids as the 29th overall pick. Alvarez was originally selected in the 2000 MLS Draft by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars in the fourth round. After deciding to remain at Furman to complete his degree in May 2000, Alvarez was traded to the Tampa Bay Mutiny. Alvarez sustained a season ending injury prior to the 2001 campaign with the now contracted Mutiny and has yet to play in an MLS game.

Below is an excerpt from the Columbus Crew website -- www.thecrew.com

Their fourth pick of the day was a bit of a surprise, similar to their 2001 pick of striker Edson Buddle, who was unexpectedly available in the third round of the 2001 SuperDraft. With the 35th selection today, The Crew snatched up forward John Barry Nusum of Furman University.

"We were pleasantly pleased that he was available," admitted Andrulis. "John is the kind of forward that has prospered in the Crew environment. With the uncertainly of Brian McBride and Jeff Cunningham with the National Team, we need a safety net up there. John is a big banger with a lot of experience scoring goals, so we're looking forward to working with him."

"I guess he was just destined to be with us."

Born in Mineola, New York, Nusum holds dual citizenship. In four years with the Paladins, he racked up some impressive numbers, including a whopping 61 goals. Just for good measure, he registered 39 assists as well, playing in 86 games overall.

"I understand that I won't be playing right now, but with (Brian) McBride going off to the World Cup, there could be a chance for me to get in there and show my stuff," Nusum said.

"I think John is going to fit in quite well with our style of play," said Andrulis. "He has a tremendous future ahead of him. He's very eager to get out there."

Projected in some mock drafts to be a first round selection, Nusum was disappointed to fall to the 35th slot, but was pleased to be picked up by Columbus.

"I expected to be picked earlier than that," admitted Nusum. "Things happen for a reason. I'm glad that The Crew picked me up."

Sounding overly-modest, Nusum was unable to compare himself to any other forward -- not just in MLS -- but in the world.

"I really don't know," he said. "Some people compare me to (New England Revolution striker) Mamadou Diallo, but he's a lot faster and a lot more skillful than I am."

"There's still so much for me to work on."

Even that 61 goals in 86 games statistic means little to the 6'1, 204 lb. striker.

"Well, I had a good college career," Nusum said. "But that doesn't mean it will translate to a good professional career. That's what I'm here to find out. I just want to get my feet wet and see what happens."