The impact of freshman on the men’s basketball team
By Joel Joly | Published Feb. 11, 2016
As the Kean men’s basketball team puts the finishing touches on an unexpected
unsuccessful season, coaches are hopeful the infusion of young talent on the roster will create a positive spark going into next season.
Coach Rob Kurzinsky spoke positively about four freshman that contributed
valuable production this season. Diego Pujols, Jodrell Thompson, Justin Watson,
Micah Kerr are four names that are breathing hope into the future of the men’s
basketball program.
Freshman starting point guard Diego Pujols out of Barringer high school, in
Newark, N.J. is averaging 10.4 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.6 steals. His play guarantees stability at the point guard position moving forward. Pujols also has won two straight NJAC Rookie of the Week award and went on to win the ECAC Rookie of the Week Award back in November.
“Pujols has been our most productive offensive player, he’s extremely fast, has
good vision, he’s a very unselfish kid, and has improved his ability to finish,” Kurzinsky said.
His teammate Justin Watson showed signs of a bright future when scoring
a career high of 20 points against New Jersey City University on Dec. 12.
Early on Watson had the biggest strides to make out of anyone. He really blossomed showing great athleticism.
Another freshman with great athleticism is forward Micah Kerr who had been a
main state in the starting line up. The freshman forward made a positive impact
in the starting lineup scoring 16 points and shooting 80 percent from the field in a win against William Pattern University on Jan. 6.
All of the guys are workers, they embrace the work ethic, and skill development. They have done a good job on defense. All four freshman came from really good high school programs.
Freshman guard Jodrell Thompson coming out of Colonia High School has been a strong physical guard also a vocal leader on the team. He’s done a good job
coming in starting a handful of games. He’s really excelled defensively and done a really good job in buying in the defensive scheme.
During workouts at the Harwood Arena Gym, Kerr and Pujols spoke about their
transition from high school to college basketball.
“College is harder than high school, in college you have to be more focus you
always have to be prepared for games,” Pujols said.
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