July’s 2014 Breakout Performers

New England Recruiting Report | Tuesday, August 2nd, 2011

For the last two days we have picked out stock risers in September’s junior and senior classes.  With regard to the incoming sophomores, identifying stock risers probably isn’t as accurate as identifying those who made a name for themselves for the first time. 

In New England, the class of 2014 begins with Wayne Selden and Noah Vonleh, who both appear to be among the top five national prospects in the country.  But following those top two, a variety of others managed to make a name for themselves this summer.  Here’s a look:

Abdul-Malik Abu, Expressions Elite – Physically ahead of his peers, Abu’s summer got off to a bang when he scored his first division I offer from a high-major school in Iowa State.  If his basketball skills can catch up to his physical gifts, there could be more opportunities to follow. 

Mike Auger, New Hampshire Rivals – A late entry into the Elite 75, Auger seized the opportunity and turned in one of the top breakout performances of the summer.  He picked up right where he left off in the second half of the period, showing well in Vegas and L.A. 

Matt Cimino, New Hampshire Rivals – Cimino’s long term potential has been well known on the grassroots circuit for over a year, but this summer college coaches gradually found out what the rest of us knew, that Cimino has the tools to be very good if he can put the pieces together down the road. 

Makai Mason, New England Playaz – His month got off to an exciting start with Duke’s Coach K sitting courtside after Mason recently attended the Blue Devil Elite Camp.  The next twenty days showed a player who continues to improve and has the tools to be very good down the road. 

Chris McCullough, Team Scan – McCullough may have very well been the premier breakout prospect in the national class of 2014.  He scored his first three high-major offers and had dozens of others from the highest levels anxiously following him. 

Jarred Reuter, New England Playaz – He entered the month having just received his first high-major offer from Indiana and after a solid month has since added St. John’s and Rutgers to that list.  His physical dominance inside wasn’t unexpected but he showed a new niche with his passing. 

Jeff Spellman, Rhode Island Hawks/New England Playaz – He split time between two clubs but impressed across the board showing a high intellect for the game, consistent long range jumper, and physical tools that continue to emerge to the forefront. 

Jacquil Taylor, Prodigy Basketball – His upside has never been questioned, only his ability to turn that potential into consistent production.  He began the month at Hoop Mountain by doing just that and kept it going throughout the majority of the next three weeks. 

Jared Terrell, Expressions Elite – He was one of the big winners in Orlando as he earned national recognition on two separate occasions.  It’s certainly not surprising to local New England fans as he has been nothing short of excellent since the spring AAU first began.