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By Ron P. Coderre
It’s October and the sound of basketballs bouncing off the synthetic surface of Putnam Science Academy’s tiny gymnasium floor is producing positive energy at the home of the Mustangs. It’s an atmosphere that’s becoming familiar on the Maple Street campus and one that’s been embraced by the student body and administration as the Scientists have produced a special brand of winning basketball under coach Tom Espinosa.
Although still a relatively young program, Putnam Science Academy is in its 11th year and the varsity hoop program is entering its 8th season, the Mustangs have posted an impressive overall record of 117 victories against only 45 losses in their hoop history. Last season after a slow start the team went on to record a 22-8 log.
Gone from the team that captured the Northeast Prep Tournament championship are Dayshon “Scoochie” Smith, who is now a University of Dayton Flyer, Paul Brooks, who’s at Worcester State University as well as 6-foot, 11-inch Ugur Hortum, Mairega Clarke, Jonte Rutty, Jemal Mosely and Joel Angus. Those losses would seem daunting to most coaches but the Houdini-like Espinosa has once again spun his magic in assembling this year’s squad.
Espinosa has brought in seven quality recruits as well as returning some Turkish players with game experience and being surprised by the late arrival of a pair of unexpected players who’ll add depth to the 2013-2014 edition of the PSA Mustangs.
This team is not overly tall and might even be described as guard oriented. Manning the inside however, is a pair of rugged players, 6-8 Chaise Daniels and 6-7 Jordan Butler. Daniels appears to be the prize package as he’s attracted the attention of many NCAA Div. I schools, while Butler, who starred at Glastonbury High School last year is ready to prove he can perform at the Div. I level also. In addition to being relied on for rebounding, both players also run the floor well.
“The mix of players we have appears to blend well on the court. Everyone is capable of handling the ball, giving us a chance to run the floor. At any given time all of these guys can contribute to our scoring,” said Espinosa.
Daniel Upchurch from Bridgeport is a 5-10 guard who will most likely run the point but is also capable of scoring points. His backcourt running mate is 6-2 Dalique Mingo from Long Island who can shoot and has good movement off the ball.
The wing positions may be where the Scientists have the most flexibility, featuring the likes of 6-6 Jalen Terry from “Seward’s Icebox’ Alaska; Anthony Durham, a 6-3 two-way player from Pennsylvania; Kyle Menard, a 6-4 athletic performer from Spring Valley, N.Y.; and 6-2 Berkan Tuylu, a returnee from Istanbul, Turkey.
Rounding out the team is, Calvetti Nyabingi from New York City, senior Sergen Kumas, and junior Burak Eraslan, along with sophomore Jean-Carlos Vidot of Queens, N.Y., and junior Haciby Catalbasoglu of New Haven.
“One thing is certain with this year’s team, those who come to see us play will find an exciting and entertaining brand of basketball. Overall this is one of the more talented groups of players we’ve assembled since our program started,” said Espinosa.
Putnam Science Academy is currently undergoing the process of becoming an accredited prep school. As early as next year the Mustangs could be eligible to join the NEPSAC. This season the team will continue to feature a strong and varied schedule, playing as an independent prep school. The Mustangs will be featured at the National Prep Showcase, Ballas TV Invitational in Boston, The Doc Hurley Classic in Hartford, the St. Andrew’s Holiday Classic and The Spanding Hoophall Classic.
The schedule is still in the final stages of completion but Espinosa anticipates playing the area preps, Marianapolis, Hyde-Woodstock and Pomfret as well as the likes of Notre Dame Prep, Lee Academy, Brimmer & May, and Wilbraham & Monson.
“Each year we attempt to put together a competitive schedule. We’re hoping to expose our players to college coaches, while giving them the feel of what it’s like to play at the next level,” said Espinosa.
Espinosa’s coaching staff consists of assistant coaches Josh Scraba, Eric Mauer, Dan Gomes and Travis Godley. The Mustangs have also promoted Ryan Rumrill to assistant coach and team statistician. Mike Peters returns again as a “special assistant” in charge of scouting.