By Ron P. Coderre

Surprise packages usually only arrive during the holiday season or at one’s birthday.  Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa, who isn’t celebrating either events, received a pleasant surprise last week when he learned that Chuba Ohams will be playing for his Mustangs in the upcoming season.

Ohams, who hails from the Bronx, N.Y., scales in at 6-foot, 7-inches.  He’ll enter school as a post graduate student. He brings a wide variety of talents to the hardwood for the Mustangs.

“Chuba could be one of the most versatile players in the history of Putnam Science Academy basketball.  That’s saying a lot with all the players we’ve had come through our program.  He can play all five positions on the floor.  He’s a scorer and rebounder who also shares the ball well.  A team player,” said Espinosa.

Last year Ohams played for coach Joe Hunter at Wadeleigh High School, where he averaged 22 points per game.  He was also one of the team’s top rebounders, averaging 10 caroms per contest, while dishing out five assists per game.

According to Nate Blue, Ohams’ mentor and AAU coach, “He is the first player I’ve seen improve on a weekly basis.  That’s a testament to his hard work at becoming a great player.”

Ohams work ethic is reaping dividends.  He’s received offers from more than 10 NCAA Division I schools.  Among his suitors are Virginia Commonwealth University, Providence College, Depaul University, Rutgers University, University of Rhode Island, Duquesne University, University of Dayton, University of Massachusetts, San Francisco University, Fordham University and St. Bonaventure University.