Commitment Catch-Up: Cruz to Fairfield

New England Recruiting Report | Saturday, July 8th, 2017

One recent D1 pledge that initially flew under our radar was that of Loomis Chaffee post-graduate Jesus Cruz to Fairfield.

Cruz put up huge numbers playing in a small high school in Florida but also has the benefit of international experience after competing with the Puerto Rican national team.

He made a quick splash for Loomis Chaffee this year as his perimeter size and athleticism allowed him to more than hold his own as Loomis took on a very competitive pre-season schedule. As the season went on he continued to establish himself as one of the team's primary scoring threats. While he was undoubtedly at his best off the dribble, it was his ability to also knock down open shots that was perhaps the most pleasant surprise.

Moving forward, his versatility is one of his best attributes. He has excellent size on the perimeter that should ultimately allow him to play and defend multiple positions. He attacks the rim well and if he can consistently make shots, as he did for much of his post-graduate season, then he'll be that much more effective on the offensive end.

He'll also have the benefit of playing next to Tyler Nelson, the Massachusetts native who is likely to be the pre-season player of the year in the MAAC next year.

Cruz joins Reggie Gardner (N.C. Central) to become the second member of Loomis' 2017 class to earn a full D1 scholarship, as well as Brennan Morris (Tufts), as the team sends three players on to the college level.

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