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By Ron P. Coderre
It appears that Putnam Science Academy basketball coach Tom Espinosa has hit the jackpot once again. Or maybe he’s picked up a ‘royal straight’ with his newest recruit of the year. Espinosa recently announced the signing of his fifth recruit for the upcoming season, Jemal Mosley.
Mosley, a 6-foot, 1-inch strong guard who scales in at 190 pounds, is the Mustangs newest player to enter Espinosa’s corral of hoop studs. The Nanuet, N.Y., native graduated in the spring from Dom Bosco Prep in Ramsey, N.J.
“Mosley is a tough athlete who handles the rock very well. He has a quick first step allowing him to beat defenders to the hoop. He also rebounds well for a combo guard,” said Espinosa.
Mosley enjoyed a three-year varsity career at Bosco, where he averaged 15 points, six rebounds and five assists per game this past season for the 21-6 New Jersey school. He tallied a season high 40-point effort in his senior year, coming off another high of 32 points in his junior season. His play in the rugged New Jersey prep school conference earned him first team all-county honors in his junior and senior seasons.
“What I really like about Mosley is that he moves well without the ball. He has a nice stroke off the catch and coming off screens. What makes him an all around threat is the fact that he also has a good shot from 3-point range,” added Espinosa.
There are already a number of Division II offers on the table for Mosley, as well as feelers from some Division I schools. The additional year of school should help Mosley work on his academics, while honing his basketball skills under the watchful eye of Espinosa.
Previously the Scientists had announced the addition of 6-11 Ugar Hortom from Turkey, Jonte Rutty, Joel Angus and Mariega Clarke, all from the greater New York area.
“This group of recruits may just be the ones to bring our program to the next level. I’m excited about the level of their skills but molding them into a team will be the task I face in the upcoming months. They’re going to be an exciting group to watch on the floor,” said Espinosa of the Class of 2013.
Coach Espinosa appears to have worked his magic once again. Like a calculated gambler it’ll be his job to get the most out of this quintet. They could be the group that comes up “three cherries” and rings the bell for a solid payoff for the Mustangs evolving basketball program.