2024-25 Prep Profile Series: Putnam Science Academy

Friday, October 11th, 2024

Following the commitment of one of New England’s top prospects, it feels fitting to kick off our Prep Profile Series with a look at the powerhouse squad down at Putnam Science Academy. Once again, the Mustangs look primed for a deep postseason run with a roster full of talent.

Let’s dive into what the Mustangs are bringing to the court this winter.

3 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Team
 

The Frontcourt is LOADED with Size

Putnam is known for rolling out lineups stacked with size, and this year will be no different. Just last March, they trotted out a starting five in the National Prep Championship with players 6’7” and taller, led by Sacred Heart's Fallou Gueye. 

Now in his third season with the team, Ben Ahmed, a Miami commit, looks to finish off a historic career with Putnam, eyeing the all-time scoring and rebounding records. Alongside Ahmed, Sam Osayi joins from Tilton School, a 6'8" big man drawing attention from Division I programs. 

Also in the mix is 6'11" Brazilian standout Rauan Rodrigues, and Senegalese native Adama Tambedou, fresh off a dominant PRO16 season. Tambedou is picking up major traction both within the regiona and in the national spotlight. Just this fall, he received offers from Creighton and Arizona State, with many other mid-major offers in his hand as well.

Five Big-Time Transfers from Connecticut and Massachusetts 

Transfers have brought in major talent to Putnam this year. Parrish Edmond and Jaeden Roberts are familiar names in New England. Both were go-to options for their previous schools (Notre Dame Fairfield and Burke HS) and led deep postseason runs in their state associations. 

Edmond comes into the season with six Division I offers, while Roberts has picked up offers from Fairfield, Bryant, and Gardner-Webb. Both class of 2026 prospects still have two years of eligibility.

Another name to know is Warren Keel, a NEPSAC AA champion from Bradford Christian Academy, who joins Putnam in the class of 2026 with plenty of national attention. 
 

Keel’s BCA teammate Brayson Green also makes his way down to Putnam, joining the squad just the other day. Green is a 6’5” wing with championship experience and picked up a Towson offer in July.

Tone Williams, an Elite 75 College Showcase alum, arrives from Windsor High School, where returned in style from a brutal leg injury. A post-grad wing, Williams brings high upside to this season’s team with an offer from Binghamton in hand.

More Out-of-Region New Faces Beyond New England

Jaymen Townsend, a 6'7" forward from Marion Indiana, recently decommitted from Kent State and reclassified to the class of 2026. Post-grad Jamias Ferere joins from North Carolina and just committed to Gardner-Webb on Sunday.

Other out-of-region names include William Campbell (Los Angeles, CA), Nico Pena (Staten Island, NY), and Jamell Hatchett (Grand Rapids, MI).

3 Questions Heading into the Season
 

How Will the Team Mesh with So Much Talent? 

This is a yearly question for Putnam, and yet, the results speak for themselves. Last year, they made the National Prep Championship game, narrowly losing to Western Reserve. They won two straight titles in 2022 and 2023, with championships also in 2018 and 2020. With plenty of roster turnover, will the chemistry come together in time for another title run?

Who Will Run the Offense? 

Two familiar names are rumored to be competing for the point guard spot: Tony Williams, a Fairfield commit, and 2026 Warren Keel. Both are proven players at the lead guard spot, but who will get the nod? 

Some have suggested the idea of both starting in the backcourt together, which would sacrifice Putnam’s usual size but create a dangerous matchup on offense. Both options bring a shifty handle, three-level scoring ability, and impressive playmaking chops.

Will We See Their New Young Players in Action? 

Putnam recently added 6'11" David Djan from Ghana (class of 2029) and is rumored to be bringing in another big man, Marvellous Monday from Nigeria (class of 2028). 

While it’s likely they won’t see action with the National team this year, Putnam has a track record of developing young big men with impressive measurables. Could they make an early impact? Only time will tell.

Intrigued by the Mustangs’ roster? You can catch them live at the National Prep Showcase in New Haven, Connecticut, hosted by the New England Recruiting Report. For more information on game times, opponents, and locations, click here.