According to an article in the Long Beach Press Telegram, Long Beach State junior star and 2017 National Player of the Year TJ DeFalco will be returning for his senior season in 2019. This should put to bed rumors that he is going pro early, which persisted this past off season after DeFalco made his Team USA debut at the FIVB World League
DeFalco is currently in year three with the 49ers, who are ranked number one in the latest VolleyMob Men’s Top 20 Power Rankings. So far this season, DeFalco has notched 3.09 kills per set while hitting .333 to go with 1.91 digs per set, 0.45 aces per set and 0.32 blocks per set.
In addition to his time at the collegiate level, DeFalco has been with Team USA since graduating high school. He became the youngest player to compete with the senior team when he made the roster for the 2017 World League and USAV Cup.
The article also mentions that DeFalco had a chance following 2017 to go pro after he received an offer for a contract from a pro club in Italy. Not only did he decline it, but the plan is to do so again following this year and head into 2019 for one final go around.
Whether it played into the decision or not, the 2019 Final Four (and therefore National Championship match) is being played at the Walter Pyramid in Long Beach. That means DeFalco would have a shot at winning a title on his home court – the ultimate ride off into the sunset moment.
Leave a Reply