Prep Profiles 23-24 - Putnam Science Academy

Dylan Thayer | Monday, October 16th, 2023

Our annual prep profile series kicks off with the back-to-back National Prep Champions, Putnam Science Academy. Brace yourselves as this powerhouse team unveils a fresh squad of high-upside prospects, gearing up for another thrilling season. Let’s take a look at what the Power Five Conferences powerhouse boasts this year.

3 Things You Need to Know About This Year’s Team

Very Complete Frontcourt

There’s obviously the infamous duo of Oswin Erhunmwunse and Ben Ahmed that has made waves on the national level, but there are some new additions in the frontcourt to know. Amdy Ndiaye offers a high motor to complement strong rebounding skills and switchability on defense. Amadou Doumbia is an athletic big man who lives above the rim, and notably, Justin Johnson makes his way up from Florida for a post-grad year. Johnson is a two-way forward/wing of note with scoring abilities, handling and athleticism. Overall, this is an extremely athletic, talented group that has the potential to dominate this season.

Oswin Erhunmwunse Back in a Couple Months

To open the season, the aforementioned frontcourt will be without its star, Oswin Erhunmwunse, as he returns from injury. The forward has met expectations, earning a top 40 ranking on 247Sports, along with offers from high majors such as Alabama, California, Georgia Tech, Texas Tech, and Wake Forest, to name a few. Defensively, he is a game-changer as just his presence in the paint is daunting enough for opponents to second guess drives to the basket. One of the best shot-blockers in the country, his return will do wonders for this squad. In recent discussions with Erhunmwunse, he shared that his rehabilitation has been progressing as planned, and he looks forward to stepping back onto the court within the next few months.

Backcourt Depth and Height

After losing the likes of Darryl Simmons and Miles Rose to Gardner-Webb and St. Bonaventure, respectively, a new group of guards has stepped in. Boubacar Diatta, Noah Mendy, Fallou Gueye, and Cris McElveen all stand 6’5” or taller, offering a good amount of length versatility on the defensive end. Diatta and Gueye each picked up offers from the College of Charleston within the last couple of weeks, and Ramsay Checo makes his return to the court after an extensive absence due to injury. New Haven Connecticut natives and former Notre Dame - West Haven guards Mekhi Conner and Que Duncan are also poised to play huge roles after transferring over.
 

3 Questions Heading into the Season

Fitting Together with Ultra Talent

One of the most intriguing aspects of a Putnam Science squad is observing how the group meshes on the court, boasting a large number of potential Division I players. The class of 2023 for the school has already produced players who have committed to Alabama, Georgia Tech, Northwestern, UMass, St. Bonaventure, and Gardner-Webb, with other Division I prospects still on the roster. The question remains: will everyone be able to buy into specific roles and work seamlessly together? It remains to be seen, but the odds are in their favor.

Are They Going to be in the Mix for Another National Prep Championship?

After clinching back-to-back National Prep Championships, it might seem audacious to question the future, but nothing is ever guaranteed. Judging by the talent currently gracing the squad as they gear up for the upcoming season, the prospect of remaining competitive and vying for the top spot come March seems almost inevitable. The ultimate answer to this question will unfold in the next couple of months as the National Prep Championship circuit kicks off next month

Who Will Be the Lead Guard as the Season Rolls On?

As mentioned, the squad boasts a pool of guards brimming with talent. However, the looming question is how things will shake out for them and what the starting backcourt will look like. Will Mekhi Conner take on the role of traffic director after a strong summer in the HGSL with Team New England? Can 2025 Dame Givner step up and lead the team not only for this season but the next as well? Does Ramsay Checo make a strong comeback, playing significant minutes? Or will there be a rotation and mix of players instead of an entrenched starting backcourt? We are excited to see what unfolds very soon!