Compiled by PAUL GOTHAM
Counting down to tipoff and previewing the incoming players of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference with a look at the first-year players of the Monmouth Hawks.
Monmouth finished 28-8 (17-3 in MAAC play) last season and fell to George Washington in the second round of the NIT.
King Rice and his staff welcome to the lineup Sam Ibiezugbe, Louie Pillari, Ray Salnave and Mustafa Traore.
Sam Ibiezugbe F 6-11, 250 Simsbury, CT/ The Masters School
Played forward at the Masters School under head coach Tobias Ceasar… Named an All-State honorable mention as a senior… Averaged nearly 20 points per game and 14 rebounds per contest… Captained both the basketball and soccer teams at The Masters School… Also an All-State performer in soccer.
What they’re saying about Sam Ibiezugbe – Adam Finkelstein/ESPN: “Sam is huge. He is just a mountain of a man. He’s got long arms, but a powerful, chiseled upper body as well. He can move his feet. He plays with really good energy and runs the floor. He is a deterrent around the rim on the defensive end because he’s going to aggressively contests plays. He can both protect the rim and defend the post. When you get somebody who’s that size and that mobile, that powerful and has that high of a motor he’s going to be able to impact the game in a lot of ways.”
Louie Pillari G 6-6, 200 Tinton Falls, N.J./ Christian Brothers Academy
2015-16 (Freshman): Did not see action as a freshman… Member of “Monmouth Bench”, which gained national attention for its sideline celebrations.
BEFORE MONMOUTH: Varsity letterwinner in basketball at Christian Brothers Academy under head coach Geoff Billett… Helped lead the Colts to the 2014 Shore Conference runner-up spot, where he averaged 10.9 points per game… Named First-Team All-Shore and competed in the Shore Conference All-Star Game… Spent a year at Navy Prep following graduation from CBA.
What they’re saying about Louie Pillari – Jay Gomes/NJHoops.com: “An athletic kid who is quicker than he looks with a good stroke from three. He gets up and down the floor pretty well. He’s going to be a role player, but he’s got a chance to produce in the minutes he gets.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He is a fitness shooter who will find time in spots to produce points.”
Ray Salnave G 6-3, 195 Elmont, N.Y./ Cardozo
Under head coach Ron Naclerio, Salnave helped Cardozo to back-to-back city PSAL championship games, including winning a title as a sophomore. He earned All-City accolades in both his sophomore and junior seasons. As a sophomore, the guard hit two free throws at the Barclays Center with 2.5 seconds remaining to lead the Judges to a title over Jefferson. Overall, Salnave scored 16 points and contributed four rebounds and four assists in the contest. In the 2015 title game against Wings Academy, Salnave scored 11 points. Statistically, Salnave averaged 15.3 points per game as a junior in addition to over six rebounds and nearly four assists per contest while shooting close to 70% from the foul line. In his title-winning sophomore campaign, Salnave posted an impressive 18.1 points per game with three boards and three assists while knocking down over 76% from the charity stripe.
What they’re saying about Ray Salnave – Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He is big, physical and strong. He’s a two-guard but can handle the ball. He’s hard to knock off the ball. He makes plays and gets things done. He can work his way into the lineup this season.”
Allen Rubin/Hoop Scoop: “He’s a good get. He was rated highly. He does a little bit of everything and does it well.”
Mustapha Traore F 6-8, 220 Philadelphia, PA/ The Phelps School
2015-16 (Freshman): Did not play as a true freshman.
HIGH SCHOOL: Played forward for head coach Brian Shanahan… Led team to 24-6 record as a senior… Scored 1,000 points in his career… Averaged 10.0 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 3 apg… Helped The Phelps School to a league championship.
What they’re saying about Mustapha Traore – Allen Rubin/Hoop Scoop: “He’s a mobile stretch-four. Shoots well from mid-range. He can also post up. He makes quick moves with his back to the basket. He’s a good rebounder. He gets off his feet quickly.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He’s an active power forward who will play the four and the five. He will block shots. He’s pretty good.”
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