Accepts pg 2 9-3-20
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Accepts
scholarship
Sean Durugordon said he will definitely start sleeping better now than he did over the last couple of months.
That’s because he doesn’t need to think any more about his recruitment, as he announced Aug. 26 that will accept a scholarship offer to play basketball at the University of Missouri.
“It’s a big weight off my back,” said Durugordon, Putnam Science Academy’s incoming 6-foot, 6-inch shooting guard from Queens, N.Y. “Now I can just go into the season and work on my game and not worry about my recruitment.
“In the beginning it’s pretty fun. You’ve got all these schools calling you a lot, and it’s really such a blessing. But then after a while it starts getting overwhelming with schools always calling. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good problem to have. But it can get stressful.”
There’s no stress now as Durugordon, a member of the Class of 2021, feels completely at ease with his decision. He cited the family culture and team-first mentality that engulfs the Missouri program, led by head coach Cuonzo Martin, as reasons why he felt most connected with the Tigers.
“Most importantly though,” he added, “they’re just really good character people, which I really value a lot. Just being around good people and a good coaching staff…I know they’re always going to look after me, regardless of basketball. That was probably the main thing that I really liked about them. I can just trust them.
“It was honestly just the perfect fit for me. It wasn’t really an opportunity that I could pass up.”
Said PSA coach Tom Espinosa: “We know Sean is a really great kid who is thinking about more than just basketball. So I think he made a great choice for himself because of that comfort level he has with the staff and the program. And he is certainly going to help them too. He is an incredibly talented player with a very high ceiling.”
The Tigers went 15-16 last season, 7-11 in SEC play, so they need some help. Durugordon, who averaged 23 points and 11.5 rebounds per game last year while playing at Canterbury School and was one of the nation’s hottest recruits this summer, will provide it. Martin, who played briefly in the NBA and has coached a number of players on their way to the NBA, and Durugordon talked about playing time too.
“They really think I could come in and start as a freshman,” he said. “They think I have the size and strength to compete right away. And, they’re losing a lot of players. My sophomore year, pretty much the whole roster will be gone. So as an underclassmen, I’ll have to opportunity to get big minutes. Of course, I’ll have to work for it. But the opportunity is there.
“But I have no doubt that they can take my game to the next level.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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