New England Commitment Catch-Up (4/26)

It's that time of the week - time for another Commitment Catch-Up!   As we near the end of April, the commitments continue to come in at a rapid pace.   Below are nine prospects that recently announced their plans for the next level.   Michael Tran   Tran, a wing out of the Boston Latin School in Massachusetts, finalized his plans for the next level with a commitment to the University of Massachusetts Boston. The 6'3" wing is a plus shooter in catch and shoot situations, does a nice job of moving without the basketball, and plays with a quick first step when attacking closeouts. When he gets into the paint, he shows good passing instincts and the ability to finish over size at the rim. Defensively, his length is an asset in passing lanes and he has the ability to defende three positions on the floor. Tran is landing in a good spot at UMass Boston and should have a nice four-year career as a contributor in the Little East.   [player_tooltip player_id='2633444' first='Connor' last='McGowan']   McGowan, a guard out of Bishop Guertin High School in New Hampshire, announced his future plans when he committed to Emmanuel College. The 6'1" guard finished his senior season with a 23.3 point per game scoring average, good for tops in Division I of the NHIAA. He's a strong, three-level scorer that plays with a high basketball IQ and good understanding of how to get to his scoring spots with the ball in his hands. He's a plus late-clock shot creator and does a nice job of moving without the ball to get open. Defensively, he's super competitive and has the ability to defender either spot in the back-court. McGowan is a terrific recruiting win for Emmanuel and profiles as the type of prospect that could develop into an all-league performer in the GNAC.   [player_tooltip player_id='2553728' first='Will' last='Hoffmaster']   Hoffmaster, a guard out of Concord Academy in Massachusetts, came off the board when he committed to Brandeis University. The 6'2" guard played out of position this season, operating mostly as a forward, but has plenty of traditional guard skills, including the ability to consistently knock down shots from behind the arc. He's got some shot creation instincts with the ball in his hands and has really improved as a two-way rebounder. Defensively, he can play bigger than his size and has a good understanding of angles as an off-ball defender. Hoffmaster is a nice late get for Brandeis and could carve out a really good four-year career in the UAA.   [player_tooltip player_id='2341349' first='Rokas' last='Zilys']   Zilys, a guard out of Vermont Academy in Vermont, put an end to his recruitment with a pledge to Virginia Military Institute. The 6'3" guard, a NEPSAC Honorable Mention selection this winter, is a high level shot maker, both off the bounce and the catch, from behind the arc. He's shown the ability to knock them down in bunches, but also has the ability to get to the rim off the bounce. He shines on the other end of the floor, where he's a versatile defender and one of the top rebounding guards in the region. Zilys found a nice landing spot at VMI, where he'll have the chance to carve out a role in the SoCon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1358460' first='Christopher' last='Birden']   Birden, a forward out of the South Kent School in Connecticut, came off the board when he announced that he'll attend the University of Miami. The 6'10" forward has some serious next level physical traits, including elite athleticism and NBA length. He moves well for his size, can defend on the perimeter and in the paint, and is a plus rim protector when coming from the help side. Offensively, he finishes plays above the rim in space and can really shoot the ball from behind the arc in catch and shoot situations. Birden played his way into the highest level of college basketball at Miami and has all the tools needed to find success in the ACC.   [player_tooltip player_id='2465127' first='Noah' last='Walker']   Walker, a forward out of the Brooks School in Massachusetts, wrapped up his recruitment with a commitment to Wheaton College. The 6'6" forward is a big-time paint finisher, both in space and when moving off of drives. He's shown the ability to finish through contact, has a nose for the ball on the offensive glass, and can really get out and run in the open floor. Defensively, he's got an incredibly high ceiling and the ability to defend any position; plus, he shows an ability to make plays in passing lanes and to block shots from the help side. Walker is a terrific recruiting win for Wheaton and could develop into one of the top two-way forwards in the NEWMAC.   Nathaniel Lane   Lane, a guard out of Salem High School in Massachusetts, made his future plans official when he announced that he'll attend Salem State University. The guard can really sit in a stance and defend, showing the ability to guard any spot on the perimeter and to do so at a high level. He forces turnovers and quickly converts them into transition opportunities, where he's proven to play with a fair amount of athleticism. He can score in the mid-range, makes plays off the bounce, and does a nice job of knocking down shots in catch and shoot situations. Lane gives Salem State a local recruit that just helped his team end a 30-year championship drought and could play a big role in helping SSU get back to the top of the MASCAC.   Angel Sanchez   Sanchez, a wing out of North Andover High School in Massachusetts, finalized his plans for the next level with a commitment to Plymouth State University. The 6'3" bully wing is a bit of a junkyard dog, in the best way possible. He does all the little things that lead to winning, including taking charges, creating scoring opportunities for teammates, and being the first to the floor for loose balls. He's a versatile defender, tough two-way rebounder, and plays with quite a bit of skill with the ball in his hands. He averaged 18.0 points per game this winter and has shown the ability to get baskets at all three levels. Sanchez is a great fit at Plymouth State and is the type of prospect that has had a successful career for them in the Little East.   [player_tooltip player_id='2716650' first='Carson' last='Gretz']   Gretz, a forward out of Phillips Exeter Academy in New Hampshire, ended his recruitment with a commitment to Central Connecticut State University. The 6'5" forward is a big-time shot maker from behind the arc that can really get hot once the ball goes through the net one or two times. He fought through some injuries this winter, but when healthy is an above the rim athlete that isn't afraid to play through contact in the paint. Defensively, he plays bigger than his height, utilizing a strong frame to make his presence felt in the paint, while also operating as a vocal last line of defense. Gretz found a great landing spot at CCSU and will make an impact on that program as they look to take the next step in the NEC.

It's that time of the week - time for another Commitment Catch-Up!