I really like Amir "Primo" Spears....... Tough,strong and mature. Not the physique of an Owen Mahorn but the athleticism is there! Combination of football strength and basketball acumen is a great advantage. Would be an excellent addition AND a start to rekindle Fairfield legacy in Connecticut. We need to keep these kids home!
Last Edit: Dec 21, 2019 9:01:48 GMT -5 by naplesstag
Trinity Catholic has a couple juniors -- Akim Joseph and Rassoul Abakar -- that are worth keeping an eye on. Supposedly 6'6" and 6'9", respectively.
I agree based on conversations I have had with local people in the know ( a former coach in the FCIAC plus a talent scout for the annual springtime all-star game between Connecticut and New Jersey). So I would be remiss if I didn't mention that I am looking forward to watching the Crusaders play this season.
First impression, both are a bit raw but talented, especially athletically. Joseph might be a bit further ahead at this point. They should help the Crusaders become league and possible state contenders. Both kind of remind me at the same point in their careers as the Norwalk duo a few years ago of Steven Enoch and Roy Kane Jr. Enoch is now a star at Louisville while Kane had a decent if not great career at D-11 New Haven. Who knows what will happen with these kids, but there is potential and I think colleges will take notice.
The article says Matt Curtis is involved with Stags. I also think Primo Spears s on Fairfield's radar.
Matt Curtis, Northwest Catholic, 6-3, So., G: As a freshman, averaged 17.5 points, three rebounds and 2.5 steals. Over the summer, he picked up his first Division I offer from Fairfield University. Primo Spears, Windsor, 6-2, Sr., G: One of the state’s top guards a year ago, averaged 27.5 points and nine assists, leading the Warriors to the Division I state title game. Likely a Division I caliber guard, Spears was an All-State football player this fall, too.
Damn, if it wasn't for attending that horror show between the Stags and Marist last evening I would have most certainly been up in New Haven to witness what I think would have to be labeled as the best high school game in the CIAC so far in the early going. #2 Windsor against #4 Hillhouse featured an overtime thriller won by Windsor, but not before they staged a dramatic comeback in the final two minutes of regulation, and most of the histrionics were led by Primo Spears. Down 8 at that point, they rallied behind Primo who scored 8 by himself including a tying 3 with less than 10 seconds left. Also controversy concerning a 10 second violation against the Academics added to the drama (article in CT. GAMETIME SPORTS). And OBTW he finished with 36 including 18 in the final period alone! Still my pick for the best senior in the association this year, I hope the Stags (who watched him play in the fall) will take notice and maybe decide to employ a full-court press (pardon the pun) for his services. He would certainly bring an immediate upgrade to their team, particular athletically, if they could get him.
Post by nashvillestag on Jan 12, 2020 10:09:04 GMT -5
Just read a follow up article in CT. GAMETIME SPORTS featuring Spears talking about his recruiting. Lists the Stags, Buffalo, NJIT (and others) as giving offers. Fairfield was listed first for whatever that means. Hopefully NJIT doesn't beat us out again for a player we want. Also, and this might complicate things and hurt the odds, because he is also being recruited as both a receiver and defensive back in football he has stated that he might like to get an offer that would allow him to play both sports in college. That wouldn't be good for the Stags of course. Also, he lists prep school as an option before college. Always so many things that have to fall in place to get someone you want, but this kid would be a great fit for Jay Young and his team going forward, so I would love to hear about a commitment to the school. He intends to announce very shortly after his basketball season ends in March BTW.
The following lines from the gametime article make me think that Spears won't be a freshman at Fairfield next season:
...“I’m not sure what (sport) I will play. It’s definitely in the conversation (to play both),” Spears said. “I don’t really know right now. It’s a big decision to make because I love both sports and I feel like I’m the best in the state at both sports, so it will definitely be hard.” Yes, Primo did hint at playing both sports in college. He admits the decision is weighing on him. He said prep school is an option for either, or both, sports to maximize his recruitment if need be.
Sad to think a lack of a football team would kill our chances of having Spears accept a scholarship. Conversely, if we did have a football team -- I'm not sure that coach Young would want to give a scholarship to someone who wouldn't be available to the team until around Thanksgiving (assuming he didn't get seriously injured at all during the football season).
The following lines from the gametime article make me think that Spears won't be a freshman at Fairfield next season:
...“I’m not sure what (sport) I will play. It’s definitely in the conversation (to play both),” Spears said. “I don’t really know right now. It’s a big decision to make because I love both sports and I feel like I’m the best in the state at both sports, so it will definitely be hard.” Yes, Primo did hint at playing both sports in college. He admits the decision is weighing on him. He said prep school is an option for either, or both, sports to maximize his recruitment if need be.
Sad to think a lack of a football team would kill our chances of having Spears accept a scholarship. Conversely, if we did have a football team -- I'm not sure that coach Young would want to give a scholarship to someone who wouldn't be available to the team until around Thanksgiving (assuming he didn't get seriously injured at all during the football season).
Are there any D1 Athletes who play sports in overlapping seasons?
If I were a D1 coach, don't think I would want a player whose attention I did not have 100%.
Last Edit: Jan 13, 2020 6:22:27 GMT -5 by paulie74
The following lines from the gametime article make me think that Spears won't be a freshman at Fairfield next season:
...“I’m not sure what (sport) I will play. It’s definitely in the conversation (to play both),” Spears said. “I don’t really know right now. It’s a big decision to make because I love both sports and I feel like I’m the best in the state at both sports, so it will definitely be hard.” Yes, Primo did hint at playing both sports in college. He admits the decision is weighing on him. He said prep school is an option for either, or both, sports to maximize his recruitment if need be.
Sad to think a lack of a football team would kill our chances of having Spears accept a scholarship. Conversely, if we did have a football team -- I'm not sure that coach Young would want to give a scholarship to someone who wouldn't be available to the team until around Thanksgiving (assuming he didn't get seriously injured at all during the football season).
Are there any D1 Athletes who play sports in overlapping seasons?
If I were I D1 coach, don't think I would want a player whose attention I did not have 100%.
It would have to be a special and gifted athlete. I think I could have dealt with Bo Jackson or Danny Ainge being 2 sport athletes. (both pursued professional carriers in 2 sports).
I seem to recall in the 80's before Calhoun was coaching the huskies a student received a baseball scholarship to UConn and also walked onto the basketball team. He ended up being a basketball starter and eventually dropped baseball. I believe he scored more than 500 points for the huskies in 2 seasons. I don't remember the details anymore, might have been Bobby Dulin, but maybe someone who follows UConn might remember who it was.
Interesting that this topic comes up, because a former Fairfield player's son played two sports in college. Jon Plefka (whose dad Mark played in the 70's and has been contributing some great insight in the 77-78 team thread recently), played collegiate basketball (Texas Tech and James Madison) and collegiate baseball (was drafted by the Anaheim Angels).
Interesting that this topic comes up, because a former Fairfield player's son played two sports in college. Jon Plefka (whose dad Mark played in the 70's and has been contributing some great insight in the 77-78 team thread recently), played collegiate basketball (Texas Tech and James Madison) and collegiate baseball (was drafted by the Anaheim Angels).
Also another example that I can think of off the top of my head is happening right now. Fran McCaffrey's son at Iowa who is a very good basketball player, nevertheless has the blessing of his dad to play baseball in the spring. At least he did last year and I would assume would continue to do so this coming season. Pretty good first baseman I think.
Scott Burrell threw the full court pass to Tate George for “The Shot” in 1990. He was very good basketball player for UConn and pitched for the Blue Jay organization as well. I’m not sure if he ever played baseball while in college. There have been a bunch of guys who played CBB and football, mostly tight ends or big wide receivers that I can think of. Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and other guys. Going way, way back Mike Ditka played POWER forward for Pitt. Can you imagine taking a charge if he was coming to the basket? I thought of this topic when we played Niagara. Their coach Greg Paulus was an All American high school QB. He spent his graduate transfer year at Syracuse as their starting QB.
Scott Burrell threw the full court pass to Tate George for “The Shot” in 1990. He was very good basketball player for UConn and pitched for the Blue Jay organization as well. I’m not sure if he ever played baseball while in college. There have been a bunch of guys who played CBB and football, mostly tight ends or big wide receivers that I can think of. Tony Gonzalez, Antonio Gates, Jimmy Graham and other guys. Going way, way back Mike Ditka played POWER forward for Pitt. Can you imagine taking a charge if he was coming to the basket? I thought of this topic when we played Niagara. Their coach Greg Paulus was an All American high school QB. He spent his graduate transfer year at Syracuse as their starting QB.
Most people might not remember or even know, but TOT actually played on the Lacrosse team after the 1987 basketball season ended at Fairfield. In his case though, same as Paulus, the secondary sport never interfered in any way with the primary one he came to school to play in the first place.
Post by ctghostman on Jan 13, 2020 11:26:49 GMT -5
Mike Plansky (an I believe Troy Bradford) played also baseball for a year or two. A couple of guys were on the golf team. I think a couple of our women's players ran cross country too.
I remember 2 Fairfield players that played 2 sports.
Vball player Liz Lemon also played 1 year with Women's Basketball. She was a very good center. I think Liz Lemon was Austrailian
Basketball player Robbie Sisca played Men's basketball in 2008-2009. He was from Westport or Weston. He first went to Vermont, and then transferred to Fairfield. And I am pretty sure Robbie played Men's Golf for 1 year. Sisca and Mike Van Schaik were very good Golfers and both could shoot the eyes out of the basket
Last Edit: Jan 13, 2020 13:06:06 GMT -5 by JoeStag
Post by dannynoonan on Jan 13, 2020 14:57:16 GMT -5
The Lopusznick brothers (I think they were twins), Jim and Tom, were probably as good a two-sport (football and baseball) athletes as Fairfield has had.