2008 Miami Basketball: "The Year of the Big Man"
Currently, Miami only has one scholarship to award for the class of 2008. The Redhawks who just lost two starters from the post spots in 6’8” Monty St. Clair and 6’8” Nathan Peavy to graduation, lose MAC player of the year candidate Tim Pollitz to graduation after the 2007 season. As such, Miami will have a huge void to fill at the forward/center postion. The player that ultimately selects Miami will come into perhaps one of the best situations for a young post player as the door will be wide open for immediate playing time. The staff has been looking far and wide for just the perfect candidate. The cream has risen to the top and Miami has found two players that fit the mold; 6’7" Julian Mavunga from Brownsburg, Indiana and 6’8" Tom Pritchard from Lakewood, Ohio.
Mavunga has been on the radar a bit longer than Pritchard and has continued to impress throughout the July evaluation sessions. He’s only been playing organized basketball since his Freshman year yet his progression and skill development has been astounding. He’s performed well at team camps and AAU events. The first thing that stands out with him is his build. He’s able to use his big body to punish defenders around the basket and has nice interior skills and can hit mid range shots very well. He does step out around 3-point land but he’s better suited as an inside player. Go outside and guard him and you’ll see a nice handle and the ability to drive past players his size or bigger. Julian currently holds scholarship offers from Miami, Southern Illinois, Kent, Ball State, Indiana State, Western Illinois, Evansville, George Mason, Toledo, and Wichita State.
Pritchard has a bigger body than Julian and is just as talented around the basket. Tom plays for ultra-talented St. Edward High School along side Michigan State pledge Delvon Roe. A lefty who since a young age has played against older and stronger players thereby helping him to continue to improve. Time and time again, Tom has matched up against some of the most heralded players in the nation like 6’10” C Henry Sims (Georgetown bound) or 6’9” Renardo Sidney (Considered the #1 player in the 2009 class) and has not only matched up well with them but by most accounts has out-played them! Tom currently holds offers from Miami, Penn State, Butler, Cleveland State, Holy Cross, Bucknell, Wright State and other schools are becoming involved on a daily basis.
Whether its Julian Mavunga, Tom Pritchard or another player, the student-athlete that selects Miami in the class of 2008 will most certainly be needed to contribute immediately. Stay tuned as this summer evaluation period is coming to a close soon!
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