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Vincent Eze

 

 

 

By Ron P. Coderre

The Putnam Science Academy 2014-2015 basketball team is beginning to take shape as coach Tom Espinosa announced the signing of 6-foot, 8-inch center Vincent Eze on May 12.  The 210-pound Eze, who hails from Easton, Pennsylvania, played his high school basketball for Notre Dame High School of the Colonial League.

Easton, Penn., is best known as the home of former heavyweight boxing champion Larry Holmes, who was a tough competitor in the ring.  According to Espinosa, one of the adjectives that best describes Eze is “tough.”  There must be something in the water in Easton that develops tough competitors.

Eze was born in Lagos, Nigeri, but has quickly adapted to the round ball game in America.  Last season Eze helped the Crusaders of coach Pat Boyle to the Colonial League Championship and the Pennsylvania District XI Championship in 2013 and 2014.  As a senior he averaged 17 points 20 rebounds and seven blocks per game for the 17-10 Crusaders.

“Vincent Eze is a true post player.  At 6-8 he gives us a center to go along with the guards and forwards we’ve already recruited.  From all reports we’ve received he’s a very skilled, athletic individual,” said Espinosa.

While at Notre Dame High School Eze has received numerous awards and been selected to many all-star teams.  In 2012 he was named Lehigh Valley Basketball Ranking Defensive Player of the Year and an Easton Rotary All Star Tournament selection in 2012 and 2013.  He was also named a Colonial League First Team All Star in 2013.  Last season he was a Hoop Group Senior All Star team selection.

“Our coaching staff is looking forward to working with Vincent.  We understand he’s a student of the game who wants to learn and bring his game to the next level.  He will certainly be a formidable presence in the middle of our offense and defense,” said Espinosa.

Eze joins the previously recruited guards Kealan Ives and Tim Quashie and twin brothers Andrew and Aaron Robinson who’ll fill out the front court along with 6-8 returnee Mamadou Diarra.