Braley to the Brook
Phillips Exeter Academy’s senior Chris Braley made a verbal commitment to Stony Brook head coach Steve Pikiell on Thursday night before announcing his decision on Friday.
“Chris has found the ideal school to further develop as both a student and athlete,” Philips Exeter head coach Jay Tilton said. “Coach Pikiell has created a winning culture based on high character and toughness and Chris is the perfect match for that.”
The six-foot-four swingman began his career at Nokomis High School, emerging as one of the top players in the state of Maine before transferring to Exeter and repeating his junior season, earning all New England nods in his first year in the NEPSAC.
This season, Braley is not only one of the top players in Class A, but he also has his team atop the class standings with an 18-1 record going into the final weeks of the regular season.
On the AAU circuit, Braley starred for the Middlesex Magic this past spring and summer after previously starring for MB Nation.
While Braley may be best known for his ability to shoot the basketball, his versatility has always been somewhat underestimated. He’s a terrific rebounding guard and strong defender who attacks the rim in straight lines and has learned to move well without the ball over the years.
He’ll be joining a Stony Brook program which has been among the top contenders in the America East in recent years, providing them with a college ready athlete that is ready for immediate playing time next season.
“I haven’t had a player with a better work ethic and passion for the game than Chris,” Tilton said. “We’re all incredibly proud of him.”
Chris Braley