By Ron P. Coderre

Putnam Science Academy “6th Man” Tyere Marshall proved that it’s not a bad thing to come off the bench as a sub.  Marshall, who played for Martin Luther King High School in Philadelphia prior to joining the PSA Mustangs, is coach Tom Espinosa’s first big man off the bench.

Two of the most famous 6th Men in basketball history are former Boston Celtics greats John “Hondo” Havlicek and Frank Ramsey.  These two pros had the ability to come off the bench cold and ignite their teams to victory.  Marshal has proven that he’s capable of doing the same for the Mustangs.  He’s being rewarded for his play by accepting an offer and making a verbal commitment to Rider University in New Jersey and plays in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC).  

After starting 10 games for Putnam Science Academy earlier this season, Marshall swapped places with Hamidou Diallo who moved into the starting role.  The move by coach Espinosa has obviously agreed with Marshall who has responded like a fireman responding to a “three-alarm” blaze.  In recent games against St. Andrew’s, Lee Academy and Believe Prep, Marshall has been the igniter, scoring and rebounding like a man possessed.

Marshall, who is averaging 8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game in the Mustangs first 24 contests, has almost doubled those numbers since coming off the bench.

“Tyere can really score down in the low post.  He has a number of inside moves that are difficult to defend.  He may be one of the best big men we’ve had here at Putnam Science Academy,” said Espinosa.

Prior to verbally committing to NCAA Division I Rider, Marshall had received offers from High Point University and Wagner as well as Canisius and University of North Carolina Greensboro.  The savvy lefty is able to play with his back to the basket or facing up.  He’s also improved his game and conditioning, extending his range away from the basket.

“I’m very pleased for Tyere.  He’s a hard worker who continues to improve every day.  I think Rider is a great fit for him,” said Espinosa.

In selecting Rider, Marshall joins a pair of former Mustangs, Kealan Ives from last season’s PSA team and Anthony Durham a 2014 graduate, already at the New Jersey school.  He’s also the second current Mustang to declare for a Division I school, joining his teammate Mamadou Diarra who is committed to UConn.