Tracking Our *CURRENTLY* Signed/Committed Recruits

[shortshot]

There can be many reasons why Jake Fay isn't scoring big #s at B&M. Remember he is just starting his 3rd year in HS and has nearly 2 more years to develop. See link below from June 2011 although I don't know the quality of the team he was playing.

http://ballastv.com/profiles/blogs/jake-fay-scores-27-at-gymrats

[rambacker]

Below are excerpts from a Q&A with Jake Fay (Hoop Dreams Magazine blog).


Jake Fay "A Head of His Class"

This young man needs no introduction, the first played to commit in the class of 2013, Mr  sharp shooter himself Jake Fay. Raised in the city of sin Lynn, from the same area that brought you players such as Antonio Anderson, Anthony Anderson and Dwight Brewington just to name a few.  Jake attends Brimmer and May school located in the chestnut hill section of Boston.  Jake gave a commitment to Fordham University in his sophmore year of high school, this took many by surprise as Fay was on track to becoming a big fish in the New England sea.  Running with New England Ballas on the AAU circut, Fay has gained an extra boost of confidence.

Fay is a shot maker that has the size to adjust to any stage level, standing at 6′ 6″  and great athleticism he is a no catch guy on the scouting report.  What is impressive about Fay is that he doesn’t worry about the miss shots, he keeps shooting as if he didn’t miss.  That is what a great shotter does, off the dribble, step back, and catch and shot are all in fay’s arsenel, we sat down with Fay and got the inside scoop
 
Why did you choose FU so early ?
I committed so early to Fordham, because who would turn down the opportunity to play along side there brother in New York City at a division one school. Coach Pecora , coach Duke and the rest of the staff made me feel at home while recruiting me. I feel like something special is going to happen with the Fordham basketball program and I want to be apart of it.

Click here to read more.

Good find, ramMan.  I hope this works out with Jake Fay. 

[RAM71]

Brimmer And May falls to 0-7. From NERR:

Vermont Academy (VT) 95  Brimmer and May (MA) 58

Jamel Artis and Daquan Mcneil scored 22 and 16 points, respectively, in Vermont Academy’s blowout victory over Brimmer. VA was able to get to the rim nearly at will, and because of that shot a high percentage from the floor. VA also played very good team defense, shutting down Brimmer’s star Fordham-commit Jake Fay. Fay finished with 17 points, but struggled to hit shots until late in the second half, when he showed off his trademark outside jumpshot. Justin Turner had a standout performance for Brimmer, he finished with a couple threes, and also scored from mid-range and driving to the rim.

 

[rambacker]

Also from NERR, on Fordham target Kaleb Joseph from Cushing Academy in Massachusetts:

Cushing’s stars just played too well in this matchup for Hotchkiss to keep up. Andrew Chrabascz (17 points) held his own on the glass and took some great shots for Cushing. He had a hard time at points with finishing inside, but he never let that deter his aggressiveness. Alex Furness used his length and athleticism all night to get to the rim on Hotchkiss’ defenders. His fiery intensity and refusal to let up kept Cushing going all game. Sophomore Kaleb Joseph showed, with several Division 1 coaches including Maryland and Delaware looking on, why he has the makings of a future star. Joseph got in the paint off the dribble at will-his playmaking ability, on-ball defense, and quick first step are what make him stand out right now as a prospect.

[ramMan]

From the Henrietta Post (4:24pm EST):


2011 Year in Review: Sports

2011 will be one to remember for local sports fans.

Here are some of the defining moments from this past year in the sports world.

2. Keeping the title the hard way
The Rush-Henrietta boys basketball team, lead by the big three of Mandell Thomas, Ashton Broyld and Brad Williams held off a determined Gates Chili squad to win their third Section 5 title in the last four seasons. Thomas, who signed to play for Fordham next season, capped his impressive career by earning the MVP at the Ronald McDonald House All-Star Game.


http://www.henriettapost.com/feature/x1819702010/2011-Year-in-Review-Sports

[ramMan]

Tweet sent by Jake Fay:

@JayFay47_LF Jake Fay
Best part of 2011 was commiting to Fordham University
2 minutes ago via Twitter for BlackBerry®

[Rich93]

Article on our signing of Travion Leonard.  I like the schools listed as having interest in him and the report that he is working on his conditioning already. 

http://www.newenglandrecruitingreport.com/news/article/2343/Fordham-Adds-Second-Prep-Product.php

[ace93]

He’s already dropped over 30 pounds since arriving at Lee in September and has the tools to be a valuable asset to the Rams if he can continue to work on his conditioning.

The kid's working hard!  I like it!!

[pjd]

a brief look at youtube Lee Academy highlights showed a slimmer Tre Leonard vs previous highlight.  My favoriate frontcourt player was Truck Robinson.

[Vinseiro]

Article on our signing of Travion Leonard.  I like the schools listed as having interest in him and the report that he is working on his conditioning already. 

http://www.newenglandrecruitingreport.com/news/article/2343/Fordham-Adds-Second-Prep-Product.php

Great to see, given earlier observations about his game:

http://www.scoutsfocus.com/scoutingservicesampleissue1.pdf

[txram]

He’s already dropped over 30 pounds since arriving at Lee in September and has the tools to be a valuable asset to the Rams if he can continue to work on his conditioning.

The kid's working hard!  I like it!!

Yes, and DW was not a good personal example on conditioning, and his Ram teams showed it.  I think Leonard will be a good addition under TP.

[SIram]

I note that Leonard has been listed as anywhere from 6-7 to 6-11 yet another reminder that a player's height in basketball is pretty variable

[Richie68]

This report on his conditioning and the teams interested in him is very encouraging.  I really hope he will do well for himself and for Fordham.

[ramMan]

Boston area alumni, here's your chance to see both Mandell Thomas and Jake Fay this weekend...



From today's Boston Globe:


Some of the best high school basketball players in the country will be in Boston this weekend, playing in the 2012 BABC Prep School Classic.

....BABC's Jay Demings supplied this list of the top players competing:

Myles Davis - ND Prep - Xavier
Adonis Filer - ND Prep - Clemson
Mandell Thomas - ND Prep - Fordham
Georges Niang - Tilton - Iowa State
Dominique Bull - Tilton - Missouri
Kevin Crescenzi - Tilton - Dartmouth
Evan Cummins - NMH - Harvard
Tommy Carpenter - NMH - Dartmouth
Sam Cassell, Jr. - NMH - Undecided
Ethan O’Day - NMH - Vermont
Nick Lund - Rivers School - Claremont McKenna
Akosa Maduegbunam - Winchendon - Penn State
Tevin Falzon - Winchendon - Sacred Heart
Jake Fay - Brimmer & May - Fordham


http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/extras/schools_blog/2012/01/babc_prep_class.html

[VTRAM]

Boston area alumni, here's your chance to see both Mandell Thomas and Jake Fay this weekend...



From today's Boston Globe:


Some of the best high school basketball players in the country will be in Boston this weekend, playing in the 2012 BABC Prep School Classic.

....BABC's Jay Demings supplied this list of the top players competing:

Myles Davis - ND Prep - Xavier
Adonis Filer - ND Prep - Clemson
Mandell Thomas - ND Prep - Fordham
Georges Niang - Tilton - Iowa State
Dominique Bull - Tilton - Missouri
Kevin Crescenzi - Tilton - Dartmouth
Evan Cummins - NMH - Harvard
Tommy Carpenter - NMH - Dartmouth
Sam Cassell, Jr. - NMH - Undecided
Ethan O’Day - NMH - Vermont
Nick Lund - Rivers School - Claremont McKenna
Akosa Maduegbunam - Winchendon - Penn State
Tevin Falzon - Winchendon - Sacred Heart
Jake Fay - Brimmer & May - Fordham


http://www.boston.com/sports/schools/extras/schools_blog/2012/01/babc_prep_class.html

I saw this yesterday and am bummed that I am going to be out of town. Would have loved to have been there to give the board an update on Fay and Thomas. I might have a mole at the Tilton/ND Prep game as the Friars have  real chance at one of the TOp 2013 players Tilton's Nerlens Noel. He said he would give me an update on Thomas.

Also for Western Mass alums the Hoop Hall classic is this weekend which features pretty much every top high school player. ND Prep is playing Sunday at 6 on ESPNU so everyone can check out Mandrell then.

[ace93]

Also for Western Mass alums the Hoop Hall classic is this weekend which features pretty much every top high school player. ND Prep is playing Sunday at 6 on ESPNU so everyone can check out Mandrell then.

ESPNU has Duke/Clemson at 6PM tomorrow.

[friarsbob]

ESPNU has Duke/Clemson at 6PM tomorrow.

OK, I am confused. Are we tracking possible transfers from these schools?

[ace93]

OK, I am confused. Are we tracking possible transfers from these schools?

Check the last post on the previous page. I probably should have quoted the portion I was replying to.

Edited my previous post to reflect what I was replying to.

[RAM71]

Check the last post on the previous page. I probably should have quoted the portion I was replying to.

Ace, I believe that game is on ESPN3?

[ace93]

Ace, I believe that game is on ESPN3?

Yes. Just checked my app and it has New Hampton vs. Noted Dame Prep at 6PM tomorrow on ESPN3. Thanks.

[rambacker]

Here's an article on Travion Leonard.  Hofstra and Virginia were also involved:

6'8" Travion Leonard from Lee Academy in Maine decided it was time to end his recruitment with a commitment to Fordham.

"The program is actually like a family," he said. "I've built a great relationship with the coaching staff, I actually feel like they love me." Leonard is the second commit in Fordham's 2012 class, joining New York shooting guard Mandell Thomas.

Leonard is a wide-bodied big man and should help Fordham down low substantially. "I feel I can bring strength, size and a great attitude to the program," he said. "I can score the ball and I feel I'm a great defender as well."

That's good news for a Fordham team that will certainly need his presence because of the departure of Kervin Bristol at seasons end. "I'm expected to come in and have an immediate impact," he said. "I know if I come in and work hard I can make the team and myself better and that's what I will do next year."

Before he chose Fordham, Leonard said he was also considering Hofstra, High Point and Virginia. He also added, "no one showed me as much love as Fordham."

[RAM71]

Virginia? My opinion has evolved from initial skepticism to cautious optimism.

[Richie68]

Virginia? My opinion has evolved from initial skepticism to cautious optimism.

I feel the same way.  I look forward to seeing him play as a Ram.

[LXRF]

RB, where did that article on TL come from? It's shows a very positive attitude.

[southcarolinaram]

I just watched the Notre Dame Prep game on ESPN3 and saw Mandell Thomas. His team is loaded, especially Myles Davis who is headed for Xavier. Mandell was not a standout in any way, but he did belong in the game. He showed some skill and a lot of hustle scored 4 points and he hit his 2 free throws. He played mostly at small forward.

[ramfan01]

I just watched the Notre Dame Prep game on ESPN3 and saw Mandell Thomas. His team is loaded, especially Myles Davis who is headed for Xavier. Mandell was not a standout in any way, but he did belong in the game. He showed some skill and a lot of hustle scored 4 points and he hit his 2 free throws. He played mostly at small forward.

I also watched the game on my computer, keeping an eye on the Giants trouncing the pack!     Mandell probably played about 20-24 of the 32 minutes.  He certainly has a role on his team, but with Myles Davis and Sam Cassell's son, he didn't get too many shots.  Thomas seems like a heads up player with a high basketball IQ.  I liked his free throw stroke, and he made some nice defensive plays (drew a charge on a bigger player).  While he certainly won't play forward for us(although it was looking like he would until we found out about Travion ), he has a stronger build than I expected.  Based on what I saw, my eagle eye for talent expects him to contribute next season. 

[Vinseiro]

Here's an article on Travion Leonard.  Hofstra and Virginia were also involved:

6'8" Travion Leonard from Lee Academy in Maine decided it was time to end his recruitment with a commitment to Fordham.

"I actually feel like they love me."

"I can score the ball and I feel I'm a great defender as well."

"I'm expected to come in and have an immediate impact,"

"no one showed me as much love as Fordham."

Past recruits have been hammered on here for "feeling the love" and declaring their greatness and impact.  That's just the way these kids have been conditioned to talk.   

[joeb]

Past recruits have been hammered on here for "feeling the love" and declaring their greatness and impact.  That's just the way these kids have been conditioned to talk.   

"I actually feel like they love me." I thought that was nice, didn't just use the cliche.

[rambacker]

RB, where did that article on TL come from? It's shows a very positive attitude.

A respected website covering New York City high school basketball called nychoops.com.

[02grad]

Just got done watching Mandel Thomas at the Big Apple invitational.  Quite impressed.  Played 40 minutes.  Don't know his line but if I had to guess I'd say he had 12 pts and probably close to 10 boards.  Also had at least 5 steals.  Looked to be a very good defender and extremely athletic.  Some strong moves to the hoop and very good in transition.  Drilled a three in the second half.  He did not look out matched in the least despite playing with and against (St Thomas more) many high major signees.  Didn't look a ton for his shot and nd prep has a bunch of guys (davis, cassell Jr, and filer) who only seemed to look for their own shot.  I'm certainly no recruiting expert but we may have gotten a real steal.
!