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'Big man'
picks Penn
Sometimes, the stress of the recruiting process ate at Putnam Science Academy big man Elijah Hutchins-Everett. Coaches visit open gyms to watch someone they have an eye on, they call for a couple days in a row. Then they go silent for a month or two before showing back up at a game to check in.
Add in the uncertainties surrounding the upcoming season because of the coronavirus, and Aug. 10 became the perfect day for Hutchins-Everett to announce his commitment to Big Ten member Penn State University beginning in 2021.
“I feel like you’ve got to be consistent,” he said. “That’s why I also liked Penn State. They always stayed consistent with me. They were on me ever since I visited the school (prior to the 19-20 season) and they never stopped showing an interest in me. I feel a family atmosphere with them. I feel like they will help me be the best on and off the court. Great fan base, a lot of alumni, great atmosphere.
“I knew Penn State was the right fit for me, and considering everything that’s going on, it was just easier to commit right now. Sometimes I do stress out a little bit with the whole process. So this is a good thing that I did it now and it’s a great decision for me and my family and my future. I feel like I can do it now and I don’t have to worry about it later on.”
Hutchins-Everett is a modern-day big man, meaning while he can play with his back to the basket in the post and utilize his strong footwork and soft touch around the rim, he can also play facing up further away from the basket and use his athleticism and jumpshot. Checking in at 6-foot, 11 inches and 240 pounds, he shot 58 percent from the floor last season, but also knocked down nine-of-21 3-point attempts. The Nittany Lions, who went 21-10 last year, including 11-9 in the Big Ten and wins over No. 4 Maryland, No. 23 Iowa, No. 21 Ohio State, and No. 16 Michigan State, will be thrilled to get their hands on him.
“Elijah has a lot of skill,” said Mustangs coach Tom Espinosa. “He’s so hard to defend in the post because he’s got such size and strength, but you don’t mind if he’s floating on the perimeter a little bit because you know he can shoot it too. Penn State’s definitely getting a big-time player, and I think they’re really going to help him do it consistently.”
That last part is something Hutchins-Everett knows he needs to work on. He admitted to turning his effort on and off in the past, depending on how hard he wanted to work. And he knows “that’s a bad thing to do,” he said. “PSA makes me accountable right now but I know too Penn State is going to make sure of it. College is going to be no joke.”
Hutchins-Everett averaged 8.4 points and 4.8 rebounds per game last year for the national champion Mustangs. He had big games, like his 22-pont, 13-rebound showing in a win over Springfield Commonwealth. He showed tantalizing flashes in parts, such as a three-game stretch in which he averaged 13.7.points and 6.7 rebounds; but then just a week or so later had a three-game stretch in which averaged but 3 points and 2 rebounds.
“I want to do it more consistently,” he said convincingly, while added he has changed his diet and is conditioning more seriously than in the past. “I know I have a motor and I know that I can do this and help my team every single game. I have to push myself to keep going hard and keep that motor going. I think Penn State can help me get my body right and help me develop as a player and as a young man.”
Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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