Bingham to join Becklens at Toledo,Ringgold to Rider
Toledo has landed a new backcourt and they came to New England to do it.
A few days ago we told you that Toledo had landed a commitment from 6’0 point guard Paul Becklens from Dorchester, Massachusetts and Bridgton Academy. What we didn’t know at the time was that Becklens was only one half of the package, as the Rockets had also received a commitment from 6’2 shooting guard Corey Bingham.
Bingham, the Springfield native who starred for the New England Playaz and Lee Academy, is a long slashing scorer who can put the ball in the basket in a variety of ways. He is a bit of a throw-back with a mid-range game that is rarely seen in young players today. But he can also knock down the three, get to the rim, or even run the point at times.
Earlier in the year it was rumored that Bingham was on his way to SMU but what ended up being SMU’s loss is clearly Toledo’s gain.
In Becklens and Bingham, Toledo has landed a pair that will likely compliment each other very well. Becklens is the consummate floor general who thinks pass first shot second. He does a great job of organizing a team and getting them into their offensive sets. Meanwhile, Bingham is perfectly capable of playing within a team’s sets, but he is also the type of player who can create his own shot when that offense breaks down. Further, both players are capable of shooting the three as well as putting the ball on the floor which should make them a dangerous penetration and pitch tandem.
Mike Ringgold to Rider
Rider University has landed 6’5 forward Mike Ringgold from the Winchendon School. Ringgold is the type of player that coaches love because he is extremely hard-working, tough, and willing to do the little things that earn victories.
On the offensive end of the floor Ringgold’s skill set is still developing, but he has a quick first step that he uses to attack the baseline and a good amount of athleticism that allows him to get up and finish above the rim.
But that is not where his true value lies. Ringgold is a player who is always willing to dive on loose balls, box out, and take charges. He is the kind of player who brings it every time he steps into the gym. Further, he is a tremendous defensive player with the lateral quickness to lock people up on the perimeter and the toughness to battle bigger players on the post. That toughness and tenacity resulted in Ringgold getting interest from schools in the Atlantic 10, Colonial, and others throughout this season.
Ultimately however, the opportunity to return to New York/New Jersey area where he developed his game and reputation before arriving at Winchendon was too much to pass up.
Paul Becklens
Corey Bingham
Mike Ringgold