Yale Lands Second Recruit in as Many Days

New England Recruiting Report | Thursday, July 2nd, 2009

A day after earning a verbal commitment from Greg Kelley, Yale head coach James Jones and his staff got another piece of good news on Friday, as Cromwell High School’s Isaiah Salafia committed to the Bulldogs. 

Salafia established himself as a legitimate division I prospect during his tremendously successful junior season in which he led Cromwell to both the Shoreline Conference and Class S State Championships. 

By the time the season came to an end he had established high levels of interest from a variety of local division I schools.  When coaches from the Ivy and Patriot Leagues began to realize that he was also a tremendous student, he quickly had another group of suitors. 

His stock has continued to soar throughout the spring and early summer as he’s shined at a number of local events and elite camps. 

Ultimately though, Yale had everything he was looking for.

“I really felt comfortable there,” he said.  “The coaches are great, it’s 25 minutes from my house so my friends and family can come see me play, they have great facilities, and it’s the best education you can get.  I had to think about life after basketball too because I won’t be playing forever.” 

In retrospect, Salafia says Yale’s Elite Camp, which he attended earlier in June, was a turning point in his recruitment. 

“The Elite Camp really helped because I got to see Coach Jones in action and play with the incoming guys in this year’s freshmen class.” 

Salafia was plenty willing to make an early commitment to the Bulldogs and actually noted the weight that his commitment lifted off his shoulders with the live period right around the corner. 

“July is such a hectic time for everybody,” he said.  “I like the fact that I just get to go out and play and not worry about recruiting.” 

And you can bet Yale likes the fact that they have added two impact players before anyone else had a chance to see them in July.