By Ron P. Coderre

Saul Phiri transferred to Putnam Science Academy last summer to play for the Mustangs because he wanted more exposure to major colleges.  His plan appears to have been well thought out as Phiri signed a National Letter of Intent on April 26 to attend La Salle University in Philadelphia.

In heading to the “City of Brotherly Love,” Phiri joins a program that plays in the highly competitive Atlantic-10 Conference.  The Explorers are also members of the Big 5 composed of NCAA Division I major colleges in the greater Philly area, Temple University, St. Joseph’s University, University of Pennsylvania and Villanova University.  Many of the team’s games are played in the famed Palestra.

Last season Phiri was a main cog in the success of the 37-4 PSA Mustangs, who advanced to the Final Four of the National Prep Championships at Albertus Magnus University.  Under coach Tom Espinosa, Phiri posted the most minutes of any player on the team last season.  The durable small forward was third on the team in scoring with 12.2 points per game, while grabbing 5.3 rebounds a contest.

Phiri, who’ll play for La Salle coach Dr. John Gianni, will give the 11-year coach a long range threat.  A deadly shooter from three-point range, Phiri had 107 treys, while shooting 40 per cent from beyond the arc.

“I’m pleased for Saul.  He took a risk when he transferred from Worcester Academy but it has paid off handsomely for him.  He’s going to La Salle at a good time because they’re coming off a down year and are looking for new blood to help them rebound,” said Espinosa.

The Explorers were a big time power in the past when they were National Champions and also NIT champs with such players as the legendary Tom Gola and high scoring Lionel Simmons.  Under Coach Gianni the program is looking to get back to prominence.  

The combination of the dynamic Phiri and Dr. Gianni just might be the right medicine to get the Explorers back in the national limelight.