From Sleepers to D1
Year in and year out, there are numerous prospects hailing from New England with Division I skill sets who are simply lacking the exposure needed to become Division I players. Many of them have the film to back their talent, but still seek the right opportunity to showcase their abilities in front of coaches and scouts.
Two recent examples of this are Diing Maiwen and Ryan Tolliver.
Each forged their own path to a scholarship, with common themes among them. Both possessed Division I tools and size. Both spent much of their careers under the radar. The turning point? Both made the most of the stage that the New England Recruiting Report College Showcase events are created to offer. As a result, both are Division I players.
Ryan Tolliver’s ascension is a great demonstration of how valuable getting in front of college coaches and scouts truly is. The 6’7 wing from Northwest Catholic popped on film. His combination of size, fluidity, mobility, and shooting touch was hard to miss. With the opportunity to play in a live showcase setting, it all came together for Tolliver right in front of the eyes of numerous college coaches. He was more than just a 6’7 wing who could score inside and out. His fluid movement through traffic, excellent hands, and comfortability in his body all stood out as traits that would translate to the next level.
The film was attention-grabbing, but it was his performance at the NERR Elite 75 College Showcase that confirmed what we saw on that film. In the following weeks, his recruitment started to take off as the HGSL live periods approached with CT Elite. He would eventually land at Northern Kentucky University. NKU and Darrin Horn highlighted his 6 '7, 220lb frame as well as his elite-level production during his senior year at Northwest Catholic, when he averaged 18 PPG, 8 RPG, 3 APG, and 2 SPG. Coach Horn knew his all-around game was something special. A player with great size, length, versatility, and scoring ability, partnered with elite defensive upside, was hard to come by.
In talks with NERR following his commitment in November of 2024, Tolliver had glowing reviews of the E75 platform: “In my opinion, the Elite 75 is a great platform because it puts you in front of college coaches who are actively recruiting, connects you with potential prep schools, and offers a chance to be evaluated and broadcasted to a wide range of college programs. I highly recommend it to anyone trying to reach the next level.”
Diing Maiwen’s journey was different, yet just as important. Based out of Auburn, Maine, Maiwen did not have the luxury of being consistently exposed to college programs as some players do who come from larger cities and markets. He did not let this deter him from his dreams; he continued to show up, produce, and take the necessary steps to put himself in front of people who could make that dream a reality. Through attending multiple NERR events, Maiwen did just that.
At those events, his athletic ability was something you could not miss. As a slashing wing, he was consistently putting pressure on the rim with his explosiveness, as well as getting into the paint, finishing above the rim, and creating transition opportunities for his teams. His athleticism did not only shine on one end of the court. He partnered those athletic tools with energy and versatility that allowed him to guard multiple positions on the defensive end.
His standout performances at NERR events helped catapult his name onto the scene as someone to look out for. Maiwen caught the eye of one AAU program in particular, Rhode Island Elite. He joined them, and the momentum continued, eventually committing to The Knox School for a 5th year under Coach Jared Grasso to further prove he belonged at a Division I program. At The Knox School, his game continued to grow, which led to more eyes on him, eventually securing his spot at the Division I level with a commitment to Fairleigh Dickinson.
Collectively, Tolliver and Maiwen are prime examples of why NERR matters. These events are created for players who are right on the edge of breaking through as a prospect and just need the opportunity to showcase why in a live setting. They provide our staff and college coaches a chance to evaluate players who are still looking for their next home, analyze how their skill sets will translate to their respective schools, and find talent that has flown under the radar.
Tolliver took the opportunity to display live what his film already showed. Maiwen’s consistent dedication to getting in front of the right people brought attention to a player who came from a small town but, without a doubt, had the tools needed to be a Division I player. For both these players, the platform fulfilled its purpose.
Tolliver and Maiwen fought and earned these opportunities by staying committed to the work and never settling. Two extremely hard workers who knew their own potential long before anyone else pointed it out to them. But their journeys are proof of why exposure is crucial. There are countless players just like these two across the New England Basketball Landscape: players who possess the size, skills, work ethic, and potential, who likely just need the right setting, the right performance, or the right set of eyes watching.
Both of these incredibly talented players are living proof of what is possible when you seize an opportunity such as the ones NERR provides year in and year out.
Diing Maiwen