Back in January at the start of the new year, Putnam Science Academy’s Charles Pride, an athletic 6-foot, 4-inch guard who with a knack for finding the basketball, officially committed to Bryant University to become a Bulldog.
Fast forward two and a half months later and another Mustang has joined the Bulldogs squad with 6-9 stretch forward from Seattle Nate Stokes committing last week. Stokes earned playing time at the beginning of the season in his first year at PSA playing under Head Coach Tom Espinosa as a big guy who could knock down shots from all levels.
“I had the opportunity to start and be a leader on the number one team in the country where I learned a lot” said Stokes. “Playing against a really tough schedule and against high level athletes every single day in practice really helped prepare me for the next level as well.” Stokes was a threat on the wing to knock down the three but also had a good mid-range game to take you off the dribble and pull up at the elbow. After battling a nagging ankle injury at the start of the season, Nate saw his play rise after the December winter break becoming a starter at the 4 spot for the Mustangs, who at the time were undefeated and ranked #1 in New England.
The big man with the big hair took to Twitter to announce his commitment posting, “I am excited to announce my commitment to Coach Grasso and his staff at Bryant University,” in a long note that began, “this beautiful game of basketball has taken me through countless high and lows.” Throughout the highs and lows, Stokes remained positive and was regarded highly as a great teammate a part of a winning culture built at Putnam Science Academy. “That was my biggest takeaway.” Stokes went on to add, “Being able to be a part of a winning culture at PSA. A very tight-knit and unselfish group of guys whose number one priority was to compete and win.”
Stokes wants to take what he learned this year and bring it to Bryant along with fellow teammate Pride. “One of the big reasons I chose Bryant is because of the overall attitude of the team as well as the school as a whole.” Nate said. “Everyone wants to win, and even though they all acknowledge that this year was a big improvement (tripled their win total) nobody is satisfied and there is still that fire and hunger to improve even more next season.”
Stokes also realizes that not everyone gets a chance at the NBA and there is life after basketball, for everyone. “The ball stops bouncing for everyone eventually and Bryant is one of the top schools in the nation, so getting my degree will definitely help me for life after basketball.” There were other Division 1 colleges interested and keeping their eyes on Nate but at the end of the day, athletics and academics played a big role in his decision. “There were many things for me to consider when picking a school but I feel like the biggest one was finding that balance between academics and athletics.” Stokes continued, “Along with sports, school has been a big priority for me growing up and it’s something that I take great pride in. I wanted to pick a school that would prepare me for both paths after college as well.”
Josh Sanchas
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy

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