2026 Academic Experience Recap pt. II

Tuesday, April 28th, 2026

Continuing on with the standouts we saw at last weeks Academic Experience at WPI…

Joey Olivieri, Austin Prep – Olivieri played with a high motor and impacted the game in multiple areas last week, as multiple high academics took note of his game. He rebounded well for his position and consistently looked to attack the basket on drives, while also showing the ability to finish through traffic. An under-the-radar name out of Austin Prep to add to the academic radar.

Michon Taylor, Arlington Catholic – Taylor showed some burst off the dribble, consistently attacking the rim with speed and exploiting open lanes in the defense. He got into the paint and put pressure on the defense, opening things up for shooters and backdoor cuts. A freshman in the Taylor family looking to be the next to play at the collegiate level in a few years.

Gavin Cotter, Nashoba Regional – Cotter found ways to score without the ball, making smart cuts and moving well within the offense to get the looks he wanted. He knocked down shots from the perimeter and spaced the floor as a catch-and-shoot threat. A class of 2027 guard out of Nashoba.

Daniel Vincent, Hamden Hall Country Day – Vincent made his presence felt inside playing with a high motor and using his body to make plays. He rebounded the ball well and ran the floor consistently as a rim-running option in his two showcase games. He also did a good job drawing contact on takes to the rim and converting at the free-throw line multiple times.

Will DiCaprio, Niskayuna HS – DiCaprio brings good size at 6’5” and used it effectively on both ends of the floor. He made gritty defensive plays, getting into passing lanes and deflecting the ball to lead to turnovers. The New York product also contributed on the offensive glass with his rebounding ability and showed the ability to knock down shots.

Kingstan Scannell, Greens Farms Academy – Scannell is a pure shooter who consistently spaces the floor. He gets his shot off quickly with no dip and is ready to fire on the catch. His ability to knock down shots makes him a constant perimeter threat that can be dangerous when left open.

Ezra Cutler, Gann Academy – Cutler continues to make noise out of Gann Academy and had a nice outing last week. He runs the offense well, making smart decisions as both a scorer and passer, and knowing how to facilitate and get others the looks they wanted. He plays with pace, breaking down the defense and looking to score the ball at different levels.

Wesley Haran, Wheeler School – Haran made his impact without needing the ball, cutting hard to the basket and finishing through contact. He wasn’t afraid to get into bodies inside and did a good job rebounding the ball in traffic. 6'5" forward in Rhode Island's class of 2028.

Isaiah Gaston, Hall HS – Gaston used his athleticism to make plays around the basket, especially attacking on drives. He forced steals defensively with anticipation, jumping passes, and picking them off while also staying active on the glass to rebound. A nice piece in the class of 2027 out of West Hartford.

Brian Nigro, St. Peter’s Boys – Nigro plays with a strong feel for the game, directing traffic and running the show. He moves the ball well and makes quick reads to get teammates involved. Coaches son that limits mistakes and looks to make the right plays with the ball in his hands.

Aadarsh Yalamanchili, Worcester Academy – Yalamanchili brings length and a strong motor that he uses to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He scored it around the basket in his outing and was active defensively, using his length to contest shots and protect the paint. He's shown some positive development at Worcester over the past two years.

Alimou Diallo, MacDuffie School – Diallo provided scoring surrounded by his Macduffie teammates with his ability to knock down spot-up threes. He also used his strong frame well on cuts to the basket, finishing around the rim with strength. 

Aziz Ouattara, MacDuffie School – Ouattara is a quick and composed unsigned senior guard. He handles the ball well and plays under control looking to get defenders off balance and get past them off the dribble.