Recruiting Update: Ethan McEachern (2021 Blair Academy)

<p>The past year has certainly had its challenges for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900339" first="Ethan" last="McEachern"]</strong>. The 6-foot-1, 180-pound former Lakeridge standout has been at Blair Academy in New Jersey but due to a variety of reasons out of his control, his ability to get on the court has been spotty. The point guard has gotten back on the floor again and has started to get noticed by college coaches, recently receiving his first scholarship offer.</p> <p>This all comes as last season he basically sat out the entire year. "As a team we were really good, only losing 3 games and being one of the top teams in the country but for me it was a bit different," McEachern said. "I had to get hip surgery going into the year because I had been playing through bad hip pain since the Peach Jam when I was on Nike Team Northwest."</p> <p>"The doctor found out I had a larger bone on my hip so a micro fracture and torn labrum so I was out for 6 months, no hoops for about 3 months. By the time I was fully healed we were in the state championship game so there wasn’t any point in playing."</p> <p>From there the pandemic hit which meant more planned action was shelved. During that time, McEachern worked individually in a number of areas. "Just toned my body and athleticism," McEachern said. "I was back to 100% ready to play AAU and then all of this shut down. So I was working the whole summer with my trainers and the high level HS and college guys around the area."</p> <p>Finally this fall, McEachern was able to get out and play in some competitive action again. "I played in the Hoop Group High Academic camp and did really well," McEachern said. "I had a great time being back on the court and it was my first time in a year getting back and playing on the court with refs. Made the all-star game and played very well in it."</p> <p>After the event more interest started coming in and this past weekend, the University of Sciences, a Division II school located in Philadelphia, came in and gave McEachern his first offer. He’s hopeful about what might come next.</p> <p>"I think the offer will jumpstart my recruitment," McEachern said. "We’re hoping to play in January so that can help push some of the schools. Right now some D2s are starting to get interested and some D1s are briefly checking in. Based on what happens this year in college basketball and if we have a season will determine a lot for my recruitment."</p> <p>Assuming that Blair Academy does get to play, McEachern will once again be playing on a talented squad with high-profile recruits such as [player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"], Kyle Cuffe, and Lual Lual. He’s excited about the possibilities. "I’m a pass first point guard who can shoot so with all the athletes I’m working with I can give these guys the ball and get open for open shots," he said.</p>