MCI Big Man Makes Pick

New England Recruiting Report | Tuesday, February 1st, 2011

Brown University landed a major blow in the rapidly escalating recruiting wars of the Ivy League on Wednesday when Rafael Maia, a six-foot-nine center from Maine Central Institute, committed to Bears head coach Jesse Agel. 

Maia is a Brazilian native who arrived in New England this year and was one of the best remaining local big men on the market. 

Maia also fills a major need for the Bears as their backcourt is considered by many to be one of the Ivy League's best while their frontcourt is in definite need of an anchor. 

The MCI center combines a big strong body and willingness to play through contact on the interior with a nice interior skill package, showing an ability to score some with his back to the basket or hit the face-up jumper out to 15 feet. 

Maia chose Brown over a steady dose of mid-major interest and projects as an immediate contributor in his freshman season.