Commitment Catch-Up: Connecticut & Rhode Island 2025’s

Dylan Thayer | Monday, September 23rd, 2024

Right now is an exciting time in the calendar year as open gym’s bring out college coaches in bunches, verbal pledges to the college level are announced, and preparation for the impending high school season has begun. The states of Connecticut and Rhode Island have each seen two prospects each make commitments to Division One programs in the last month.

Let’s take a look at what’s went down.

London Jemison, Alabama

On Saturday, St. Thomas More and Expressions Elite wing London Jemison announced his commitment to the Alabama Crimson Tide of the SEC, live on the 247Sports channel with Adam Finkelstein.

Jemison played his first three seasons at one of Connecticut’s powerhouse public school programs, Northwest Catholic, where he picked up a few scholarship offers before transferring to the St. Thomas More School in May of 2023.

Since then, Jemison saw his recruitment spike picking up high major offers from the likes of Virginia Tech, Providence and Syracuse by September of that year.

His play in the EYBL this year with Expressions Elite however elevated his stock immensely, rising up national rankings, and showing just how lethal he can be as an off-ball shooter on the wing. Heading into Peach Jam, he was shooting the ball at a 37.1% rate from three-point range to go along with 13.1 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. 

When the EYBL season was all said and done, Jemison picked up over ten high major offers, including Alabama, Kansas, Louisville and Vanderbilt to name a few.

Jemison brings a very fluid overall game and can really put pressure on the rim. He has grown as a shot creator, developed his handling and playmaking, and offers defensive versatility.

Joining Nate Oats and the Crimson Tide, he will enter a powerhouse program that just finished in the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament, and has a proven track record of developing wings such as Brandon Miller and Herb Jones.

YanCarlos Cueto, North Carolina A&T

Recently it was announced that Rhode Island Elite and Saint George’s 2025 guard YanCarlos Cueto has committed to the North Carolina A&T Aggies of the CAA.

Cueto has been a name of note in the New England class of 2025 for some time now, as the Dominican Republic native first jumped onto the scene with Springfield Commonwealth Academy. He then went on to spend some time with Central Pointe Christian in Florida, before settling in with the Dragons of St. George’s.

Cueto brings obvious positional size to the guard spot standing at 6’5”, but has some crafty guard skills to match. He is a very impressive shot creator with a smooth shooting stroke to knock down shots with efficiency. His passing vision has made strides, as well as his handle, and he is still in the middle of his physical development.

At North Carolina A&T, Cueto will be joining the squad heading into Head Coach Monte Ross’s third season. The Philadelphia native is in the middle of turning around the program after a few years of turnovers at the helm. Ross brings years of success and experience in the CAA to the program, and a fresh start.

Tony Williams, Fairfield

Just this morning, Putnam Science and New Haven Heat point guard Tony Williams announced his commitment to the Fairfield Stags of the MAAC.

Williams is fresh off a standout grassroots season where he picked up a handful of mid-major offers and saw his name mentioned in numerous standout listings. After starting the season on the Putnam Science Prep team last season, he was moved up to the National squad, and saw success.

In a role off the bench, Williams was a contributor to their National Prep Championship game appearance and improved his game immensely over just a few month span. 

Better known as “Butta”, the Connecticut native is one of the shiftiest guards in the class. He's got a deep bag of hesitations and dribble moves to create space, and has game-changing speed to turn corners instantly. His defensive skills shine as he can force steals, and his shooting from mid-range and outside are other notable aspects of his game.

Before heading to Fairfield, Williams has a season remaining with a reloaded Putnam Science squad. While the line up is most likely still under construction, the thought of him sharing a backcourt with Warren Keel should give a lot of teams something to worry about. After a 24-13 season, the Stags head into the 2024-25 season with some promise, and an impressive commit in waiting. 

Jayden Reid, Quinnipiac

On September 11th, just two days after reportedly taking an official visit to Quinnipiac University, Westminster and PSA Cardinals 2025 forward Jayden Reid announced his commitment to the Bobcats.

Reid, a Connecticut native, has played the majority of his high school career at the Westminster School after starting out at Cheshire High School.

He stands at 6’8” and has for some time now, allowing him to develop a noticeable set of skills in the frontcourt. Reid thrives out of the dunker spot, with athleticism to finish above the rim. On the defensive end, he has good instincts to contest shots using his length. Expanding his game to the perimeter has been a focus recently and started to make strides. 

Following this upcoming season, Reid joins the surging Bobcats, and has a chance to develop under Tom Pecora, who has made a point to bring in New England recruits to the MAAC. 

Dylan Veillette, Merrimack

On September 15th it was announced that Saint George’s and Middlesex Magic forward, Dylan Veillette had committed to Merrimack College.

The 6’7” forward had a great summer playing on the Under Armour Next Circuit, averaging 5.4 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 57% from the floor. A Fordham offer came his way in June, followed by Lafayette, Le Moyne, Merrimack, UMBC, Loyola (MD), Brown, Navy and Mount Saint Mary’s. 

Veillette plays a physical game at the forward spot, with inside scoring skills to score around the basket. He has a ton of post moves to get around his man, as well off-ball skills to get open on cuts to the basket. His motor is noticeable all over the floor as he fights for rebounds and competes on the defensive end. 

Following the upcoming high school season, Veillette joins a program still early in their Division One tenure. In just five seasons in the Northeast Conference, the Warriors have won three regular season titles and a postseason conference tournament despite not being eligible yet for the NCAA Tournament. When Veillette steps on campus, the program will be in their second year in the MAAC as they join the conference this year.