Massachusetts Commitment Catch-Up (10/21)

With the start of the college season just around the corner, we've had another recent wave of commitments as programs put the final push on their top recruits.   Today, we'll take a look at two NESCAC prospects and two more from the MIAA, that recently announced their plans for college.    Nkugwa put the finishing touches on his recruitment when he announced that he'll attend the University of Vermont. A high flying guard at Governor's Academy, Nkugwa had a strong showing this summer with the Mass Rivals and lands at one of New England's top college programs. The lefty is a dynamic athlete that can guard all three perimeter positions, is terrific defensively at the point of attack, and can really rebound from the guard spot. Offensively, he's electric in transition where he does a great job of finishing around the rim. He's continued to improve his perimeter jumper which has helped to open up his driving game. Not only is he an athletic and powerful finisher at the rim, but he's show the ability to finish plays with some creativity as well. Vermont continues to recruit at a high level and landing Nkugwa should help to keep them competitive in the America East, as he profiles as a future all-league candidate.     Leman came off the board with a commitment to Mercyhurst University. A floor spacing, left-handed big man at Worcester Academy, Leman was one of this summer's stock riser and culminated his experience with a commitment to play at the Division I level. He's a quality paint finisher with great touch around the rim that knows how to play with his back to the basket. His most impressive skill, however, is his ability to shoot the basketball. At 6'8", he's a true stretch forward that does a great job of creating space for teammates and can consistently knock down multiple three's in a game. A good athlete, he's comfortable making plays off the bounce and is an impressive passer out of the high post. Defensively, he does a good job on the boards, can guard in space for a couple of bounces, and offers quality post defense against fours and fives. This is a recruiting win for Mercyhurst as the transition to Division I, with Leman projecting as a solid, two-way forward in the NEC.     Sullivan finalized his college plans when he announced that he'll attend Endicott College. An integral part of Franklin's run to the state championship game last winter, Sullivan continued to improve his stock this spring and summer with playing with the Middlesex Magic. He fits the mold for positionless basketball and shines with his effort, toughness, and ability to make winning play after winning play. He's comfortable playing with or without the ball in his hands, is a terrific cutter off the ball, and impresses with his ability to finish at the rim. On top of that, he's done a great job of developing his shot over the last year and is now a consistent threat from behind the arc. He's a plus defender that can guard multiple positions, will give his body up for his team, and rebounds like someone who's four inches taller. This appears to be a terrific match of prospect and program, as Sullivan has a chance to make an immediate impact at Endicott with his winning pedigree.     Beaver's recruitment came to an end when he pledged his commitment to Rivier University. A dual-sport athlete at Wakefield, Beaver is an under-sized forward that makes his mark on the game with his ability to stretch the floor, off ball movement, and intangibles on both ends of the court. He does a good job of keeping shape, showing his hands, and getting his feet set quickly in catch and shoot situations. He's a good cutter, can finish through contact at the rim, and just knows how to play in team concepts. Defensively, he's a good rebounder that can guard up and down a position with his combination of a high basketball IQ, lateral mobility, and strength. This is a good early commitment for Rivier, as Beaver is the type of floor spacing forward that typically finds success in the GNAC.

With the start of the college season just around the corner, we've had another recent wave of commitments as programs put the final push on their top recruits.