By Ron P. Coderre

UPS known for making big deliveries around the world and on time operates under the familiar slogan, “What can Brown do for you?”

The recent admission to Putnam Science Academy of 7-foot, 1-inch and 268-pound Zach Brown from Miami,  begs the question, “what can Brown do for Putnam Science Academy?”

Brown, a highly sought after true high school junior, arrived on the 18 Maple Street campus on Tuesday, January 26.  He had visited the school a week earlier with his legal guardian Michael Lipman prior to attending the UConn-Tulane game on Tuesday, January 19.

But the trip from Miami to Putnam hasn’t been as easy as jumping aboard a jetliner and arriving three hours later.  The trip for Zach Brown has had a circuitous and often hazardous route, beginning from the time he was an 11-12 year old sixth grader.

Brown is the youngest of five brothers who haven’t always enjoyed the finer things life has to offer.  His mother was a person who tried but was unable to provide for her sons, which eventually led to the young men not always being on the right side of the law.  That’s how Lipman and Brown became acquainted and how Lipman’s interest in the young man has helped him to right his life.

According to Brown, thanks to Lipman and his mentor, former UConn big man Boo Willingham, he’s learning to “mature and control my emotions, not only on the basketball court but in life.”

“Zach is a mature young man who made the decision to come to Putnam Science Academy on his own after much deliberation.  It was his decision,” said Willingham.

“It was a sad day when I left warm Miami and came to cold Putnam.  After the first day, when I was sad, I’ve come to like the area and school.  The guys on the team have made me feel very welcome and part of the team,” said the imposing Brown about his early adjustment to PSA.

“I think he’ll be a good fit with our team.  We want to help him get better and help our team.  All the players took him in and showed him love,” said team high scorer Hamidou Diallo.

Ranked highly by the nation’s top recruiting services, Brown, who averaged 19 points and 17 rebounds last season for Miami Beach High School, is ready to prove himself, according to Putnam Science Academy coach Tom Espinosa.

“He’s dominated practice from the very first day he arrived.  He’s so strong that he posts up and demands the ball better than anyone I’ve ever seen.  We’re going to gradually fit him into our system.  He’s the type of player who can take it to the next level.  We’re happy to have him on the team,” said Espinosa.

As promised, Espinosa’s integrating Brown into the Mustangs’ system gradually.  In limited action in his first three games he’s averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds per game.  Most importantly his stature is imposing on both ends of the court, where he’s a big target on offense and an intimidator on defense.

Due to his entry date in the program it’s likely that he’ll be ineligible for the National Prep School Championships, should the Mustangs be invited for the third consecutive year.  Espinosa is hoping that a request by the school indicating he agreed to enroll when he visited on January 18 may be upheld in appeal.  Regardless of the outcome, the school is pleased that he’s part of its community.

Brown, who professes to enjoy dancing, laughing and drawing, is ahead of schedule academically according to everyone you talk to.  He’s made a verbal commitment to UConn and coach Kevin Ollie.  

He’s is eligible to enter the university in September 2017.  Brown can sign a Letter of Intent, solidifying his agreement, in November.  At that time his decision to enter in either 2016 or 2017 will be clarified.

“Having Zach in our school and on our team definitely gives us national exposure.  Our mission is to be able to help students who are in need regardless if they play basketball or not.  Our goal is to assist more young people who need help,” said Dr. Tieqiang Ding, president of Putnam Science Academy.

Brown, who as he says, “lived in the hood of Miami,” met Lipman through a Miami rapper by the name of “Black Dada” whose wife was a corrections officer.  One look at the 7-1 Brown and she said, “You need to play basketball.”  She made the intro to Lipman and his friend Willingham who have been by Brown’s side and advocating for him since that day.

“Life hasn’t been easy for me.  I’ve had to work hard to get where I am.  I’ve made many positive changes in my life and I’m here to improve as a person and basketball player.  I want to help this team,” said Brown, who possesses an infectious smile and personality.

“What can Brown do for you?” asks UPS, which delivers packages all over the world.  Although Zach Brown arrived in Putnam via a commercial airline, not UPS, his delivery on the Putnam Science Academy campus arrived safely and on time.  

He’s the complete package.  It’s now his turn to prove himself to those who have placed their trust in him as a person.

 

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