Da’shon “DayDay” Gittens’ decision was an emotional one. The Putnam Science Academy Prep basketball player returned from an official visit to Florida International University the first weekend of October and really knew it was where he wanted to play college ball.
Over the next few days, he thought on it before informing his mom, Dawne, that he had cemented that decision.
“I almost started crying talking to her,” Gittens said. “This is a dream come true for me and something I’ve really been working for and wanting my whole life. She was proud. She always backs me up, like moms do.”
The Miami-based school started showing interest in the 6-foot, 4-inch ultra-athletic guard in September when the Mustangs’ first open gyms took place.
From there it was a quick process for Gittens to commit. He said his communication with the coaching staff was very consistent over the last few weeks, which showed him how badly they wanted him to be a part of their future.
The Panthers, coached by Jeremy Ballard, struggled to a 9-17 mark last year but rebuilt their roster through the transfer portal. FIU views Gittens as a major piece of their future; he said they talked to him about coming in and taking over the starting point guard role next fall. (Mohamed Sanogo, who played for PSA last year, is a freshman there this year as well.)
“When I went on my visit, it was really just like, ‘Wow,’” Gittens said. “The coaching staff and team, it was another family that I could connect with, with guys who I could look up to and help me accomplish my goals. I just really felt like I could relate to a lot of the guys and we had a close bond with them. And I didn’t even go to school there. That’s when I knew.”
Gittens, a native of Hartford who last year played on Woodstock Academy’s Prep team, said he realized this was a possibility during his sophomore year at Weaver High School.
That was when he broke onto the scene as a bonafide scoring threat and that if he worked at it, he could excel at a high level.
“That was when I started to get after it,” he said. “Once I really started doing that and working on my craft and taking it more seriously, I felt like college was something that could happen for me. I’m really excited about it. It was emotional too, knowing that this school fits me and was what I was looking for. The people at FIU are people I can look up to and I trust. There’s a lot of emotions that go on with that.”
PSA coach Tom Espinosa is looking forward to what Gittens can do this season, especially now that this decision is behind him.
He is intense and athletic, and if his jumper continues to evolve into a consistent weapon, look out.
“DayDay can be a real special player,” Espinosa said. “He reminds me a lot of Kyle Lofton (a former PSA star who has had a great career at St. Bonaventure). He’s a kid who has all the tools to be really, really good and I think he’s just scratching the surface right now.”
By Stephen Nalbandian
Sports Information Director
Putnam Science Academy
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Lunches coming
PUTNAM — TVCCA lunches will be starting at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 3 at the Municipal Complex. Senior citizens are urged to pick up a registration form at the library or recreation office or come to the Community Room at 10:30 a.m. Oct. 25 to register. Seniors will need to let TVCCA know a week in advance which meals they plan to attend; $3 donation. Stay tuned for senior activities before and after the lunches.
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Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Zoning Board of Appeals
The Town of Putnam Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a meeting on October 19, 2021, at 7:00 P.M. VIA ZOOM. A public hearing will be held on the following:
Appeal # 2021-006; 53 Prospect Street LLC for a variance to reduce the side yard setback from 20’ to 3’ and front yard setback from 25’ to 4’ in accordance with Section 401 Schedule of Dimensional Requirements to allow each house on the subject property to be located on a separate lot. Property located at 53-55 Prospect Street, Town Assessor’s Map 16, Lot 41. Zoned R-10.
Joseph Nash,
Chairman
Meeting information will be available on the Town of Putnam website prior to the meeting.
Oct. 7, 2021
Oct. 14, 2021
Legal Notice
Zoning Commission
The Town of Putnam Zoning Commission will be holding a meeting VIA ZOOM on October 20, 2021, at 7:00 P.M. A public hearing will be held on the following:
Docket # 2021-08: Taylor Lynn Copeland and Riley Mae Copeland requesting a Home Occupation permit in accordance with Section 304 “Schedule of Uses & Districts” and Section 706 “Customary Home Occupation” for a Yoga & Meditation Studio. Property located at 27 East Putnam Road, Town Assessor’s Map 36. Zoned AG-2.
Patricia Hedenberg,
Chairman
Meeting information will be available on the Town Website prior to the meeting.
Oct. 14, 2021
Legal Notice
Town of Putnam
Zoning Commission
The Town of Putnam Zoning Commission will be holding a meeting VIA ZOOM on October 20, 2021, at 7:00 P.M. A public hearing will be held on the following:
Docket # 2021-09: Dexter’s Best LLC — Request for a Special Permit to change one non-conforming use to another non-conforming use in accordance with Section 501.7 “Non-Conforming Uses” for retail sales of home and commercial safes. Property located at 42 Woodstock Avenue West, Town Assessor’s Map 001, Lot 010. Zoned R-10.
Patricia Hedenberg,
Chairman
Meeting information will be available on the Town Website prior to the meeting.
Oct. 14, 2021
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Woodstock Elementary/Middle
Everyday: fruit. Monday: Hot dogs. Tuesday: Mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce. Wednesday: Popcorn chicken, mashed potatoes, carrots. Thursday: Hamburgers, carrot sticks. Friday: Pizza, green beans..
Putnam Elementary/Middle
Monday: Orange Popcorn Chicken Rice Bowl, broccoli. Tuesday: Grilled cheese sandwich, tomato soup, Cheddar Goldfish Crackers, fruit. Wednesday: Chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, carrots, fruit. Thursday: Fiesta Taco Bowls, corn. Friday: Pizza, salad, fruit.
Putnam High
Monday: Pasta bar or spicy chicken sandwich. Tuesday: General Tsos Chicken or bacon cheeseburgers. Wednesday: Clipper burgers or three-cheese quesadilla. Thursday: Waffle bar/scrambled eggs or calzone pizza boli. Friday: Stuffed-crust pizza or mozzarella sticks, marinara sauce.
Pomfret Community
Everyday: Fruit and veggies, Alt. Sunbutter & Jelly. Monday: Turkey, bologna, salami, cheese on buns. Tuesday: Beef and cheese nachos. Wednesday: Chicken patties on buns. Thursday: Chef's choice. Friday: Pizza.
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