OT: Putnam Science Academy

[Stainmaster]

Just picked up two intriguing kids for this coming season. Here's why I feel it might be pertinent:

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/sedee-keita

http://www.verbalcommits.com/players/eric-ayala

1. Sedee Keita (coincidentally a former teammate of Bruce Brown's at VA) will probably be playing the 5 next to Mamadou Diarra at the 4. While this will probably be a pretty effective tandem for Tom Espinosa, it will probably lead to some statistical decreases for Mamadou in terms of RPG.
2. We haven't been offered Keita, but there's been some interest in the past. With him playing a) in our backyard and b) for a program we already have one commit from and another prospect with (arguably) significant interest in us, he could be someone to move in on as a larger big man to complement Mamadou. In terms of the centers we're listed as recruiting, I haven't heard too much about momentum with Schnider Herard and Rodney Miller lately, and although Gorjok Gak is an intriguing prospect, Keita seems like he has more upside and would be able to contribute more off the bat.
   
3. I'm not the most knowledgeable guy here when it comes to the NEPSAC, but it seems pretty darn impressive that an independent is able to pull in this much P5-quality talent. Before Mamadou came, they were basically sending guys to America East/MAAC/NEC schools. For those of you who follow New England HS basketball, definitely a program to watch.

 

[3uconn]

It also provides someone for Mamadou to battle with in practice day in and day out.