In the end, Markus Crider needed little convincing that Georgia State University was where he should continue his basketball career.

It was all about the system employed by Dayton native Ron Hunter, the former Miami University player and IUPUI coach.

“I fit right in with the style they play,” said Crider, a 2011 Wayne High School graduate. “It’s run-and-gun. It allows me to do what I’m best at.

“I’m expecting to come right in and make an impact.”

Crider, a 6-foot-7 forward who spent a year at Bridgton Academy in Maine after originally committing to Providence but changed his mind after a coaching switch, chose GSU on Monday over Iona (New Rochelle, N.Y.), the only other school he visited.

GSU, a Colonial Athletic Conference member, is located in downtown Atlanta. It will be quite a change from the wilderness of Maine, but Crider thinks he’s ready.

“When you’re 17 hours away from home and there’s not much of a supporting cast around you, you really learn about yourself,” he said. “You’ve got to grow up — on the court and off.”

At Bridgton, Crider averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds, had three triple-doubles and made the all-tournament team at the National Prep School Invitational.

“He will be a great addition,” predicted Hunter. “I am also excited that he is from my hometown of Dayton, which has produced many talented basketball players over the years.”

One of Crider’s good friends is football player Jerel Worthy, a Wayne senior when Crider was a freshman. Worthy, a defensive tackle, was drafted in the second round by the Green Bay Packers last month and the requisite Twitter shout-outs were exchanged.

“Jerel’s a big brother to me,” Crider said. “And he’s going to one of my favorite teams.”

How did Crider become such a Packers fan? Video games, of course.

“Being in Maine, that’s all we did was play games,” Crider said. “I was always beating the football players using Green Bay.”

Crider, home in Huber Heights now, leaves for Georgia on June 3.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland @DaytonDailyNews.com.