Jon McAllian Staying Close to Home

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Saturday, August 11th, 2007

When Jon McAllian arrived in Orlando with his Team Maine AAU squad he was already receiving some division I interest.  But after knocking down 7 three-pointers in the first half of Team Maine’s opening game of the tournament that interest quickly expanded.  It wasn’t long before McAllian was being followed around Orlando by a good number of division I coaches. 

“There were definitely more coaches watching after that first game,” McAllian told the New England Recruiting Report. 

Very shortly afterward those coaches were treated to another display of McAllian’s talent as he scored 18 points in the second half of his team’s victory over a North Carolina based squad, including a game winning three-pointer. 

By the time the national championships had come to an end he had racked up scholarship offers from a variety of division II schools and was hearing from Maine, New Hampshire, and Central Connecticut on a consistent basis. 

But less than a week after returning home, McAllian was already on the University of Maine’s campus for an unofficial visit.  During that visit he offered Head Coach Ted Woodward a verbal commitment.

“I liked the fact that it was close to home,” McAllian said.  “Plus I already know a lot of the guys and really like the coaching staff.” 

Keeping the most talented local players at home has clearly been a top priority for Coach Woodward.  This year the Black Bears have also offered scholarships to Sam Leclerc from Winthrop High School and Thomas Knight (class of 2009) from Dirigo High School according to local sources.  Additionally the Black Bear’s roster could include as many as 8 home grown products next season in junior Jesse Keith from Hermon High School, senior Jason Height from Westbrook, Maine and Bridgton Academy, sophomore Jay Uhrin from Hampden High School, sophomore Mark Socoby from Bangor High School, senior Brian Andre from Valley High School, sophomore Tyson Hartnett from Shawnee High School, sophomore Sean Costigan from Cheverus High School, Jordan Cook from Hampden High School, and incoming freshmen Troy Barnies and Sean McNally from Edward Little HS and Gardiner High School respectively.  

McAllian’s addition to that group is likely to be a significant one.  Despite the fact that he was flying a little under the radar heading into this summer, his potential is easy to see.  At 6’5 he has tremendous size for the shooting guard position that allows him to get his shot off with relative ease.  Additionally he is an outstanding three-point shooter with deep range who has also developed a very impressive mid-range game to keep opposing defenders honest.