Best Available in the Frontcourt

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Saturday, April 19th, 2008

Size is always at a premium for college coaches, but inevitably it becomes even more so this time of year.  While there are still a good number of quality guards left on the board, bigs become harder and harder to find as the season goes on.  Here is a look at some who might be scooped up by the time the weekend is over:

Larry Anderson, 6’5”, F, Winchendon:  He’s more of a wing than a big man, but minus Devin Ebanks he also might be the best overall player the region has left to offer.  A flat out warrior who makes things happen on both ends of the floor, he is bound to have several good options. 

T.J. Robinson, 6’7”, F, St. Thomas More:  Although he has a variety of offers already on the table, the word is that the Connecticut native is still hoping for the highest levels.  This time of year that can be a big gamble as offers can be there one day and gone the next.  He would be an immediate impact player for a mid-major team that plays at a fast tempo. 

Kellen Thornton, 6’7”, F, Brewster Academy:  He has the flexibility to play as a small forward or face-up four man.  He is extremely athletic, capable of making shots from the perimeter, and very active on the glass. 

Genesis Maciel, 6’9”, F/C, Worcester Academy:  A very skilled big man who can score with his back to the basket or step out to the three-point line.  Had he gotten himself into better shape this year he would have had much higher interest. 

John Hegarty, 7’0”, C, Winchendon:  Hegarty is in Pittsburgh this weekend with the Rhode Island Hawks.  We find it hard to believe that no one has pulled the trigger on this immovable man as he will change the game as soon as he steps foot on the floor next year. 

James Marcellus, 6’8”, PF, Bridgton Academy:  We will be very surprised if he comes out of this open period without a scholarship offer.  He’s a terrific rebounder who can score on the low post by facing up and showing a pretty quick first step.  He’s running with the Boston Soldiers this week and next. 

Nikko Acosta, 6’10”, C, Kents Hill:  If it weren’t for a couple of knee injuries he would have likely been off the board a long time ago.  But after making what appears to be a full recovery it probably won’t take too much longer.  He scores around the rim, rebounds well, plays hard, and is a good program kid.  Division I is a strong possibility while division II would seem to be a no-brainer. 

Dante Wooten, 6’8”, PF, Northfield Mount Hermon:  He has always had all the tools as his athleticism and skills have always been there.  But upon arriving at Northfield Mount Hermon this fall many questioned his motor and conditioning.  With both of those issues addressed he is likely to have a home before too long. 

Andrew Yanulis, 6’8”, C/F, Northfield Mount Hermon:  This is a player who has worked hard and maximized his potential.  He may have the most polished low post moves of anyone on this list while he remains challenged by a lack of length and bounce.  Now the question becomes does he want to be a little fish in a big pond or a big fish in a little pond.