Gerald McLemore Heads to Maine

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Sunday, January 27th, 2008

What a difference a weekend can make.  On Friday morning Gerald McLemore was a member of the Worcester Academy team who was generating a wide variety of recruiting interest on the division I level. 

A day later he traveled to the University of Maine to take a pre-arranged official visit.  By the end of the weekend McLemore had not only decided to commit to the Black Bears but he decided he wasn’t going to wait until September. 

Consequently, he becomes the second New England prep product this year to leave their team at mid-season and join a new college team.  While his decision certainly marks a valuable addition for the University of Maine, his departure in the midst of the NEPSAC season will be a major setback for Worcester Academy. 

At Maine, McLemore is expected to begin practicing with the team right away, although he will not suit up until next season.  But when he does suit up he has the talent to make an immediate contribution for Head Coach Ted Woodward.  In fact, with his versatile talents McLemore has a chance to be a very important player in the America East before his career is done.  He is the rare player who can put the ball on the floor or make shots from the perimeter equally well. 

WA loses their starting small forward along with one of their toughest players.  In fact, McLemore had even played the better part of this season on a sprained ankle against the advice of the team’s medical staff.  His departure leaves Worcester’s backcourt without much depth as Gabe Kindred, Austin Carroll, Sam Martin, and Anthony Weeks are likely to rotate between the three perimeter positions. 

But give the Hilltoppers credit as they responded on Saturday, fighting back from a nine point deficit in the second half to defeat New Hampton in their first game without McLemore.  Unfortunately for them, the road will not get any easier as WA plays four games this week beginning this afternoon when they travel to St. Andrew’s.