By Ron P. Coderre

A surprise announcement in May by the Wellspring Foundation that Putnam Science Academy was closing its doors caught the Putnam community and northeastern Connecticut basketball fandom off guard.  After nine successful seasons on the hardwood, the question remained, “What would become of the Mustangs basketball program?”

Following lengthy deliberations, new ownership of the school under the direction of Dr. Tieqiang Ding, assumed leadership of the institution.  And the issues surrounding the Putnam Science Academy basketball program appears to finally have the situation on an even keel.

Throughout the summer despite the uncertainty coach Tom Espinosa and his assistants proceeded with the recruitment of players as though business as usual would return to the Maple Street campus.  Their faith and hard work has resulted in what many feel may be the best team in the brief but starry history of the program.   

Last season coach Espinosa led his team to a 27-8 record and a second consecutive trip to the National Prep School Tournament Championships.  Six players are gone through graduation from that team.  Gone are twins Aaron and Andrew Robinson (Quinnipiac), Kealan Ives (Rider), Dondre Rhoden (Farleigh Dickinson), Vincent Eze (Maine), and Josh Wallace (Palm Beach JC).  Espinosa has reloaded, bringing in 14 recruits to go along with three returning players.

Leading this year’s edition of the Mustangs is Captain Mamadou Diarra back for his third season in Putnam.  The 6-foot, 9-inch Diarra, who has signed to play with UConn in 2016, is “the inside force and shot blocker” that Espinosa will rely on as his leader.

“Mamadou will see more minutes than previously.  He’s matured mentally and physically and has become a smart player,” said Espinosa.

Another mainstay of this year’s team is heavily recruited Queens, N.Y., product Hamidou Diallo.  “Hamidou has grown physically and in maturity.  We’ll look for him to fill the stat sheet as our go to guy,” said Espinosa.

The third returnee is guard Brandon Hurst who will be a key operative off the bench.

Espinosa’s brought in three big men to complement Diarra and Diallo.  The Mustangs will look for 6-9 sophomore Darnell Brodie from New Jersey, who is described as a “rebounding machine” to team with post graduate Tyere Marshall another 6-9 Division I recruit, who is a low post scorer.  The unknown factor in the middle is 7-2 sophomore Emanuel “Manny” Umoffia, who “continues to get better with every day on the court.”

The Mustangs have a plethora of guards with nine players vying for playing time.  Early on it appears that sophomore 6-4 point guard Eric Ayala and senior shooter Jaheam Cornwall have the inside track at starting in the backcourt.  Collin Sawyer, who hails from nearby New London is a “very special player that is a steal.”  According to Espinosa, “Sawyer is deadly from three-point range and moves well without the ball.”

In the mix for playing time are Brandon Steed, lefty Tyree Perkins, Texas Longhorn Danny Salamah, post graduate Turian Archie, late comer KJ Smith and fourth year player from Turkey Uamus Demirkol.

The wing position is loaded with skilled players led by Worcester Academy transfer 6-4 Saul Phiri, who was the NEPSAC AA leading scorer last season.  A pair of post graduates, Chuba Ohams from the Bronx and Sean Delaney adds skill and versatility to the frontcourt.

As usual Espinosa has assembled a rugged 38-game schedule that has his Mustangs facing the iron every time they step on to the court. 

 They open the season on November 17 at home against Spire Institute of Ohio and close when they host the Northeast Prep Tournament, featuring Redemption Christian, Mount Zion of Maryland and Rise Academy.  In between the Mustangs face six teams projected in the Top Ten in the preseason poll and participate in a dozen tournaments throughout the East coast.  They have only one contest against a local team, traveling to Hyde School-Woodstock on Feb. 8.   

The goal for Espinosa and his Mustangs is a third consecutive trip to the National Prep School Tournament Championships scheduled for March 8 at Connecticut College in New London.

“On paper this is probably the most talented team we’ve ever assembled.  The key to our season is the players coming together as a unit.  We have plenty of work ahead of us but I’m confident that these players will pull it together.  They knew the expectations when they decided to come here, so it’s up to them how far we go,” said Espinosa.

Working with Espinosa and associate head coach Josh Scraba are coaches Travis Godley, Dan Gomes and Ryan Rumrill.  Eric Mauer will once again serve as the Director of Basketball Operations.  

Sean Martel joins the staff as a volunteer assistant.