Unraveling  

the PSA 

basketball 

mystery

By Ron P. Coderre

It took the school, community and the local basketball scene by total surprise.

In May officials of Putnam Science Academy and the Wellspring Foundation announced that the school, which had become a mainstay of the Putnam community since its inception more than 12 years ago, would be closing its doors for at least a two-year period.  The aftershock of the announcement stunned officials in Putnam, the administration, faculty and staff of the school and the followers and fans of the PSA Mustangs basketball.

Since the varsity basketball program stepped on to the hardwood in 2006 it’s grown exponentially in popularity and success.  From mediocre beginnings the program under the astute guidance of coach Tom Espinosa has grown into a National power.  In its last two seasons, the team has been one of the select preps in the nation to play in the National Prep School Championships.

“When we were made aware of the closing I was shocked and totally devastated.  I was in love with Putnam Science Academy.  It had been my professional life for the last 12 years,” said Espinosa. 

The question that left Espinosa and program followers scratching their collective heads was, “What would happen to a team that had become the darlings of local schoolboy hoop aficionados?”

Answers soon began to arise when rumors were floated that Woodstock Academy and its Headmaster Chris Sandford would become the saviors of the program.  In a bold move, Woodstock Academy officials announced they were interested in forming a post graduate basketball program by bringing coach Espinosa along with his holdover players and recruits for the upcoming season to the Centaurs campus.   

Following some tennis style volleying between the Academy and Espinosa, the news officially hit the presses when Woodstock held a press conference with all the trappings announcing that Espinosa and his Mustangs would become part of the Academy family.  In addition they also used the forum to announce, in front of a full entourage of Connecticut sports media, that the centerpiece of the Mustang team, 6-foot, 9-inch Mamadou Diarra was committed to UConn in the Class of 2016.

“Woodstock did everything with class and correctly in the announcement.  I was very excited to get going and make the moves necessary to give the Centaurs a successful post graduate basketball program,” said Espinosa.

Suddenly, like the Orient Express, a group of Asian educators led by Dr. TieQiang Ding, roared into Putnam with an offer to purchase the school and property and its hottest commodity, coach Tom Espinosa with a promise to maintain the name ‘Putnam Science Academy.’  Once again the rumors of the whereabouts of the Mustang basketball team took center stage of the local sports pages and talk shows.

And once again, it became decision time for Espinosa.  Was the offer from the Asian group for real?  How would Woodstock Academy react to the scenario?  Was the ‘pilot’ program at Woodstock a one-year deal?  These queries all became considerations for the man who 12 years ago only wanted to be a teacher, athletic director and basketball coach.  Life was no longer simple in the Espinosa household.

“This was one of the most stressful times in my life.  My family and extended family went through a very excruciating period attempting to make the correct decision.  We wanted the best for the family.  We didn’t want to hurt or offend anyone especially the folks at Woodstock Academy.  And another consideration was the young men we had recruited to come to northeastern Connecticut,” said Espinosa.

Eventually, after many restless and sleepless nights, numerous conversations with family and trusted associates and a love for Putnam Science Academy, Espinosa made a decision.

“I went through many confusing days and nights but in the end I decided to return to Putnam Science Academy.  It was difficult to imagine anyone else but me running that program,” said Espinosa.  

In recent days Espinosa and the new regime have signed a contract officially making him an employee of the school and coach of the Mustang basketball team.  A substantial deposit has been placed on the property by the Asian group.  According to sources, the sales agreement with the former Turkish owners of the school will be consummated on Aug. 10.  And incoming students are being told that classes will commence Sept. 8, the day after Labor Day.

How many students are expected on the opening day of classes?  Answers vary, from members of the basketball team to as many as 65 students including co-ed students and the team members.  There are still plenty of details to iron out and complete in the brief period between execution of the sale and opening day.  Rumors continue to prevail but Espinosa is confident his players will be students at Putnam Science Academy on Sept. 8.

Espinosa has three returning players in Diarra, Hamidou Diallo and Brandon Hurst.  In addition he is expecting nine more recruits on opening day of classes.  Despite the uncertainty and turmoil that’s prevailed since May, every recruited player has indicated they’re in.

According to Espinosa, all the recruits are excited about beginning classes and have complete trust in the coach and his staff.  They’ve all signed a contract indicating they agree to be full-time students and part time basketball players.

“After 12 years at PSA I’m excited about continuing the job I hired on to do.  I’m looking forward to greeting my players and any other students who arrive on September 8.  I’d also like to thank the people at Woodstock Academy for all they did for me and the program through this entire ordeal,” said Espinosa.

The mystery that began with an unexpected announcement in May is beginning to be solved.  Only the best of mystery writers could script the story that unfolded.  In the next six weeks or so, the plot could thicken or the answer to the mystery will emerge.