Counting down to tipoff and previewing the incoming freshmen of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a look at the Iona Gaels.
Iona finished 20-14 (11 MAAC wins) in 2012-13. The Gaels will be looking for a third consecutive trip to the NCAA Tournament. Tim Cluess welcomes four freshmen to campus: Grant Ellis, Ryden Hines, Daniel Robinson and Shackquiel Scott. They will be joined by three transfers: Kelvin Amayo, Mike Poole and Isaiah Williams.
Grant Ellis G-F 6-5, 210 Newark, N.J./ Hudson Catholic
Ryden Hines F 6-10, 240 Anchorage, AK/ Impact Academy
Daniel Robinson F 6-11, 215 Norfolk, VA/ IMG Academy/ Atlantic Shores Christian
What they’re saying about Daniel Robinson – Jamie Shaw/Phenom Hoop Report: “If ever there has been a guy that looks the part, Daniel Robinson looks the part. Robinson defends the post, blocks shots and rebounds in and out of his zone well. On offense, however, he is more comfortable facing the basket. He shows some soft touch, out to the mid-range, off the catch. Will need to continue to improve his strength and skill.”
Steve Keller/ National Recruiting Report: “He’s got a chance to contribute because he is mobile. He has legitimate size. He maybe a project, but he can develop.”
Shackquiel Scott G/F 6-6, 215 Passaic, N.J./ The Robinson School/Passaic County Tech
What they’re saying about Shackquiel Scott – Jay Gomes/ NJHoops.com: “Prep school year did wonders for him. He was an under-sized post player in high school and flew under the radar. He’s a very good athlete was also a football player in high school. With a year of prep school, he developed his perimeter skills. He showed enough potential for a few division one schools to chase him. A little bit of a sleeper, but with his athletic ability he is definitely worth take a shot on. He has a good upside.”
Kelvin Amayo (transfer) G 6-4, 220 Newark, N.J./Marshall
*Kelvin Amayo will not be eligible until the 2014-15 season.
What they’re saying about Kelvin Amayo – Jay Gomes/ NJHoops.com: “He’s a very strong, physical guard. Great athlete. He plays hard and with a chip on his shoulder. He’s not a great shooter, but tough to contain. He gets to almost wherever he wants to be on the court.”
Steve Keller/ National Recruiting Report: “He is an athletic, big-time dunker. He rises up, drills threes and dunks. He’s got in between game that you need to balance yourself a little. He is super athletic.
Mike Poole (transfer) G/F 6-6, 200 Rosedale, N.Y./ Rutgers
What they’re saying about Mike Poole – Steve Keller/ National Recruiting Report: “Coming from Rutgers he, obviously, is going to bring plenty of experience. He was a factor for Rutgers, so he clearly is going to help them right away.”
Isaiah Williams (transfer) G 6-7, 195 Newark, N.J./ State College Florida Manatee
What they’re saying about Isaiah Williams – Jay Gomes/ NJHoops.com: “He’s a scorer. He can score from three. He’s very athletic. He can get to the rim. He’s put up big points wherever he’s played. He fits the mold of the guys Iona has thrived with. Their system with an up and down tempo will be beneficial for him and he’ll continue to put points on the board.”
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