Counting down to tipoff and previewing the incoming freshmen of the Atlantic 10 with a look at the first-year players of the La Salle University Explorers.
La Salle made a magical run to the Sweet Sixteen last season finishing 24-10 (11 A-10 triumphs). Dr. John Giannini keeps much of his lineup intact. Jermaine Davis will be eligible to play after uses last year as a redshirt season. Barring any unforeseen injuries, Amar Stukes will redshirt this year.
Jermaine Davis (redshirt) C Garfield, OH/ Garfield Heights
Helped lead Garfield Heights to 24-2 record and state semifinal appearance as a junior…Team went 18-5 as a senior and reached district championship game…Played in Greater Cleveland Basketball Coaches Association’s Boys All-Star Game.
*Davis redshirted the 2012-13 season.
What they’re saying about Jermaine Davis – Steve Keller/The National Recruiting Report: “They got themselves a good big man. He can be competitive in the league. He’s got size. He’s got decent speed.
Allen Rubin/ Hoop Scoop: “He’s a big body, an inside player with good footwork in the low post. He’s strictly an inside player. He has good post moves and a good rebounder.”
Chris Johnson/ Hoop Scoop: “He’s a pure low-post player with a big body. Once he puts that body to work, he can be effective. He gets up and down the court decently for a big guy.”
Amar Stukes G 6-2, 180 Philadelphia, PA/La Salle College HS
Third team All-State, Class AAAA after averaging 19.6 ppg as a senior…Also First Team All-Catholic League andPhiladelphia Daily News All-City as a senior… .Times Herald Player of the Year…Third team Philadelphia Inquirer All-Area…First team All-Catholic League selection as a junior, averaging 13.4 ppg. last season…Two-time team captain…Third team All-Catholic League pick as a sophomore…Played AAU basketball for the Jersey Shore Warriors.
*Unless there is an unforeseen injury, Amar Stukes will redshirt this season.
What they’re saying about Amar Stukes – Jay Gomes/NJHoops.com: “Pure point guard in the mold of Tyreek Duren. Really sees the floor. Looks to make plays for others not usually himself.”
Allen Rubin/ Hoop Scoop: “He’s a very good point guard with very good vision. He really penetrates and gets in the lane. He can finish or kick it out. He’s a very good defender. He is a fair outside shooter and needs work on his mid-range game. He’s a very good prospect.”
Jamie Shaw/ Phenom Hoop Report: “Stukes is a consummate team point guard. He has a smooth handle and shows the ability to get the ball when he needs it to go, taking care of it, and finding a team mate in their comfort zones. Stukes is working on his shot, but has grit getting into the lane. What he lacks in explosion he makes up for with “want to.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He’s a solid, solid point guard who ought to have a pretty good career with La Salle.”
Biographical information courtesy of GoExplorers.com
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