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 Siena Saints.
Siena finished 21-13 (13-7 in MAAC play) last season and fell to Morehead State in the first round of the CBI tournament.
Jimmy Patsos and his staff welcome to the lineup Sammy Friday, Thomas Huerter Jr., Khalil Richard, Ahsante Shivers and Kadeem Smithern.
Sammy Friday F 6-9, 252 Jersey City, N. J./ Hudson Catholic/ Andrew’s School (R.I.)
Averaged 12 points and eight rebounds while leading St. Andrew’s School to a 21-10 record. Averaged 10 points 7.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in guiding Hudson Catholic to the Hudson County Tournament Title in 2014-15. Honor student
Played AAU basketball for NJ Playaz.
What they’re saying about Sammy Friday – Jay Gomes/NJHoops.com: “He came out of a really good high school program. A long, athletic kid. He’s a shot blocker who runs the floor really well. He can shoot the ball from 15 feet. He can score a little bit in the post. He’s going to be a nice role player early in his career.”
Allen Rubin/Hoop Scoop: “He’s a good power forward. He can score from in close and can step out to 12 feet. He’s a very good rebounder and shot blocker.”
Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He’s a big body. He can make plays in the post.”
Thomas Huerter Jr. F 6-7, 192 Clifton Park, N.Y./ Shenendehowa/ Cheshire Academy
Led Shenendehowa to a perfect 25-0 record and the school’s first NYSPHSAA Class AA State Championship in 28 years as a high school senior. Named to the 2014-15 Class AA All-Tournament Team after scoring 22 points and pulling down seven rebounds in the championship game against Brentwood. Earned Times Union Second Team All-Star and NYSSWA Class AA Seventh Team All-State accolades after scoring in double figures 20 times including seven 20-point efforts during a breakout 2014-15 campaign.
What they’re saying about Thomas Huerter Jr. – Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He can catch and shoot. He’s a stretch four, skilled. He can put it on the floor effectively. He knows to play, knows how to score.”
Khalil Richard G 6-0, 188 Baltimore, MD/ St. Frances Academy
Rated the 76th best player at his position in his class by ESPN. Averaged 12.9 points, 3.0 assists, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 44.7% (55-123) from three-point range in being tabbed an All-Baltimore Catholic League. Honorable Mention following his junior year. Played for both the Maryland 3D and Baltimore Elite AAU squads where he was a teammate of current Saints Nico Clareth and Evan Fisher. Honor roll student at St. Frances Academy.
What they’re saying about Khalil Richard – Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He can run the point. Sees the floor well.”
Marcus Helton/DMV Elite: “He is a really tough guard. He what you are looking for in a floor general. He sees the floor really well. He can create his own shot.”
Ahsante Shivers G 6-4, 209 Seat Pleasant, MD/ Clinton Christian/ Mt. Zion
Joins the Saints after spending a postgraduate year at Mt. Zion Prep in Baltimore. Spent a postgraduate year at Mt. Zion Prep last season which he led to a 30-5 record. Averaged 15.8 points during senior year of high school at Clinton Christian. Competed in first-ever LeBron James Classic. Played AAU basketball for DC Assault.
What they’re saying about Ahsante Shivers – Steve Keller/National Recruiting Report: “He athletic, good size. He gets up and down the floor well.
Marcus Helton/DMV Elite: “He is a really good defender, athletic kid. Wing guard. His shot has improved a lot. He will be able to come in and contribute for them in a defensive capacity. He’ll come in and show energy.”
Kadeem Smithern G 6-3, 167 Ajax, ON/ Thornlea (Richmond)
2015-16: Sat out due to NCAA transfer regulations.
2014-15 (AT RICHMOND): Played in 23 games, averaging 3.6 minutes per game. Scored 11 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished five assists. Made a steal and assisted on a fastbreak in his collegiate possession against High Point (11/22). Scored first career points minutes later with a bucket and foul. Hit first career three against IUPUI (12/23).
HIGH SCHOOL: Averaged 21 points, five assists, four rebounds and two steals per game at Thornlea Secondary School in Ontario, Canada. Team MVP. First Team Regional All-Star. Battle of the Boards All-Star. NPH Platform participant. Ranked 21st in 2014 Canadian class by Northpolehoops.com
Leave a Reply