These five words define clutch. They are what seperates a player who rises to the occasion from one who gets consumed by the pressure. They are the stuff that Michael Jordan had during the NBA Finals. They are what John Elway had leading his team to another fourth quarter comeback.

They also are what senior guard J.R. Wallace brings to the men’s basketball team.

“I’ve hit some crazy shots this year,” Wallace said. “When it is time to knock down a tough shot, I wheel and deal a little bit, and find some way to put the ball in the hole, whether it be a half-court shot, or going up and under someone. I love the pressure of when the shot clock is winding down.”

Many players experience an entire career without hitting a buzzer-beating shot. Wallace has hit two game-winning buzzer beaters — this season.

“When he makes a shot, any shot, it doesn’t surprise me,” said Head Coach Jay Smith. “I would not want to be playing him in H-O-R-S-E with money on the line.”

Wallace wasted little time showing off his late-game heroics. In a season-opening game against Lake Superior State, it was Wallace’s deep three-pointer that allowed the Chippewas to survive with an 86-84 victory.

Perhaps a better example of his clutch ability is the shot he hit against Ohio during CMU’s first MAC home game at Rose Arena. With the game tied 84-84, Wallace took the inbounds pass, dribbled three times and launched a shot from the right side of the half court line that banked off the glass and into the hoop.

“When people think of J.R. Wallace, that’s what they remember most about this season,” Wallace said. “It’s a ridiculous feeling. You are stunned, you can’t believe that it really happened.”

Standing just 6-feet and weighing 170 pounds, at least on paper, Wallace does not appear to be a formidable opponent. The coaches of the MAC, especially Smith, know otherwise.

“He’s a very exciting player to watch,” Smith said. “He sometimes defies the odds of what you can do offensively, because of his athletic ability. He’s one of the best players I’ve ever coached in terms of athleticism, and that includes Michigan. I don’t think that people really realize how athletic and how exciting he is.”

Wallace’s breakaway dunks and exciting reverse lay ups have made him a favorite with CMU’s Rose Rowdies. Also one of the best on-ball defensive players on the team, Wallace always brings instant energy to the Chippewas.

“I don’t know how he does it, he’s just amazing,” said junior center Chris Kaman. “He comes up with key plays and key shots. There are games that we wouldn’t have won without him.”

Wallace has been instrumental in the success of the NCAA Tournament-bound Chippewas. He averages 14 points, and almost three rebounds and three assists a game. Wallace also has knocked down 44 three-pointers, and shoots 84 percent from the free-throw line.

“I’ve worked hard for the past four years, and its just been my turn in the limelight,” Wallace said. “It has been my time to step up and make plays. I’ve always been the same guy. It’s just my time to shine. I just stepped up to the challenge and continue to believe in myself.”

Wallace has earned his role during his four-year career. The Muskegon native was a role player for much of the past three seasons, compiling an average of just 3.4 points heading into his senior season. However, when Smith was looking for an offensive presence out of his guard position this season, it was Wallace who he trusted with the job.

“J.R. has dedicated himself,” Smith said. “I don’t think that he was as dedicated as a freshman or sophomore. He has great focus right now. He came here as a boy, and he will leave as a man.”

Wallace agrees he has grown up and learned much during his time at Central. He was named as a senior co-captain, a role which he has cherished.

“Under coach Smith I have learned a lot,” Wallace said. “That goes with maturing. You can’t help but grow up as the years pass. I have learned a lot about the game of basketball, and I think basketball and life coincide.”

Out of all of his buzzer-beaters, impossible-angle shots and gravity-defying dunks, one moment stands above all for Wallace, being a senior leader on a MAC Championship team.

“Two seasons ago, when we won the MAC Championship, the ring had one diamond for each of the four seniors,” Wallace said. “I told the guys that I wanted to be one of those diamonds.”

Basketball has a rich tradition with Wallace’s family. His uncle, Mark Hughes, won an NCAA Championship at Michigan before embarking upon a professional career. One of Wallace’s greatest moments was defeating his uncle’s ex-team at Crisler Arena.

“I was a Michigan fan until my junior year,” Wallace said. “It was hard to play Michigan and beat them on their floor.”

Wallace’s two brothers, Marcus and Jerry, play for Division II Grand Valley State. Wallace jokingly believes that he has the best basketball genes in the family, however.

“We were neck and neck and competed every night,” Wallace said. “I usually won the back yard games. I didn’t dominate. It was a close call, but I won the majority of them, though.”

Five, four, three, two, one....

As the clock winds down on Wallace’s career at CMU, the senior believes there is still time remaining for one more odds-defying accomplishment.

“Playing in the postseason is something CMU hasn’t done in awhile, so that’s been our goal. An NCAA birth means so much. Being a college athlete, this is what you dream of. While this would be a perfect ending right now, I think we still have some more in store.”