From Sleeper to Steal

Tuesday, May 22nd, 2018

Little more than a year ago Osun Osunniyi was a sleeper at Mainland High School in New Jersey. 

He didn't play for a high profile AAU team, was flying well under the national radar, and unknown to most scouts and college coaches. 

LaSalle was able to identify him and land his commit in March of his senior year and yet he remained a relative unknown until arriving at Putnam Science Academy this September. 

Even then, Osunniyi had some raw potential but didn't look like the type of player who would be able to have an immediate impact in the Atlantic 10. 

Eight months later and there might not be another 2018 prospect in New England who has emerged more over the course of this year. Ossunniyi is starting to fill out his broad shoulders and learning to assert himself on both ends of the floor. 

He finished the season with averages of 10 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks but saw his overall impact continue to grow late in the season. He scored 27 points in the finals of the National Prep Championship while claiming MVP honors and leading the Mustangs to their first ever national championship. 

When he re-opened his recruitment following a coaching change at LaSalle, Osunniyi immediately saw high-major recruitment, an incredible shift for a player who previously committed to the Explorers with virtually no competition. 

He visited Syracuse, Georgetown, and St. Bonaventure in recent weeks, while spurning interest from other Big East and ACC schools. He announeced his commitment during Monday night's banquet to celebrate PSA's national championship and gave the Bonnies a significant steal. 

Osunniyi joins his PSA teammate, Kyle Lofton, as well as Spire Academy wing Dom Welch in Mark Schmidt's recruiting class. Lofton is similar to Osunniyi in that they're both late bloomers who have emerged at a rapid rate within the last year. Together, they form the basis for what could be St. Bonaventure's best recruiting class in recent memory.