New England Commitment Catch-Up (5/09)

The commitments continue to come in fast and furious in New England as prospects in the Class of 2025 finalize their college plans.   Below are 10 prospects that recently announced their plans for the future.   [player_tooltip player_id='2396798' first='Emmitt' last='Byther']   Byther, a hybrid forward out of Old Town, recently came off the board when he announced his commitment to the University of Southern Maine. A powerful presence on the court, Byther has the look of a high level college tight end and uses his frame to his advantage in the paint. He finishes plays above the rim in space, rebounds the ball in and out of his area, and can really protect the rim on the defensive end of the floor. Few prospects can match his combination of size, physicality, and athletic pop.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325889' first='Neo' last='Franco']   Franco, a versatile scoring guard out of the Pomfret School, put an end to his recruitment when he committed to Southwestern University. Long known as one of the better perimeter shooters in the region, the lefty has deep range on his jumper and does a great job of getting his feet set quickly on the catch. He does a nice job of playing at different speeds, uses dribble moves to keep defenders off balance, and knows how to finish with creativity around the rim.   Ryan Kranz   Kranz, a wing shooter out of Wilbraham & Monson Academy, finalized his future plans when he announced that he will attend Colorado College. A bigger wing that can really shoot the basketball, he does a nice job of moving without the ball and elevating into his jumper, allowing him to get his shot off against almost any defender. He leverages his shooting to open up driving lanes, has the strength needed to finish at the rim, and does a nice job of operating within the flow of an offense as a scorer.   [player_tooltip player_id='1532438' first='Charlie' last='O'Sullivan']   O'Sullivan, an athletic forward out of Loomis Chaffee, made his plans for the next level official when he committed to Brown University. A 6'11" lefty that can really shoot it from deep, the big man brings a ton of skill to the front-court. He can play as a roller or pop guy in ball screens, works hard to establish deep post position, and really elevates into his jump hooks from the block. He does a nice job of rebounding on the defensive end of the floor and is a solid post defender.   [player_tooltip player_id='2812011' first='Jason' last='Kamau']   Kamau, a terrific perimeter defender out of Lowell, decided to end his recruitment when he announced that he'll attend Lasell University. One of the top steal guys in the MIAA this winter, the undersized guard does a great job of getting into opposing ball-handlers space and really making them uncomfortable. He plays defense like a cornerback, anticipating plays before they happen and turning steals into home runs in tranistions. Offensively, he has good floor vision and the ability to get into the paint out of ball screens.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325763' first='Jack' last='Watson']   Watson, a versatile wing out of Milton Academy, announced his future plans when he committed to Union College. A high IQ wing, he does a nice job of playing within himself and making winning plays that don't show up in the box score. He makes the extra pass, moves well without the basketball, and knows how to pick his spots as a scorer. He's a capable three point shooter that can also score at the rim as a cutter. Defensively, he guards up and down a position and is almost always in the right spot off the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547124' first='Tave' last='Cloutier']   Cloutier, an athletic guard out of Kents Hill, came off the board when he announced that he will attend St. Thomas University. A good athlete with the ability to finish plays above the rim, Cloutier really impresses as a finisher in the paint. He has good burst off the bounce, a good handle in traffic, and the ability to finish with some creativity in the paint. He has good playmaking instincts and the ability to knock down shots with deep range from behind the arc.   [player_tooltip player_id='2547073' first='Jerrick' last='Jacobs']   Jacobs, a perimeter scorer out of Richford, ended his recruitment when he committed to Castleton University. A playmaking guard that can score the basketball at a high level, he does a nice job of making plays with the ball in his hands. He gets to his spots off the bounce, knows how to make plays out of ball screens, and does a good job as a passer in the half-court. Defensively, he's capable of making plays on the ball and is often the first to the floor for loose balls, winning the hustle plays.   [player_tooltip player_id='2634122' first='Kieran' last='Mullen']   Mullen, a talented big out of St. Thomas More School, wrapped up his recruitment when he pledged to the University of Pittsburgh. A legit 7-footer with good length, he moves well in space and does a nice job of using his physical tools to his advantage as a rim protector. He can guard when switch into space, using his length to his advantage. He runs the floor well in transition, can finish with touch around the rim, and does a nice job of rolling out of ball screens.   [player_tooltip player_id='2325777' first='Charlie' last='Pugh']   Pugh, a skilled guard out of Brewster Academy, finalized his plans for the next level with a commitment to Colgate University. A big time shooter, he does a great job of stretching the floor and being shot ready on the catch. A high IQ prospect, he leverages his shooting to open up driving lanes and shows the ability to finish plays around the rim with both athleticism and strength. Defensively, he moves his feet to stay in front of the ball, has quick hands that lead to steals, and can rebound in traffic when needed.

The commitments continue to come in fast and furious in New England as prospects in the Class of 2025 finalize their college plans.