April 2017 | Page 5 of 21 | Zagsblog
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Adam Zagoria covers basketball at all levels. He is the author of two books and an award-winning journalist whose articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Sports Illustrated, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide.
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Saturday / April 20.
  • NEW YORK — Eric Ayala could have gone to college this coming fall and played at a place like Syracuse, which was recruiting him hard.

    “I mean, Syracuse was really the only school that was pushing the hardest for ’17,” Ayala said this past weekend at the Under Armor Association stop. “Every school that offered me was offering for both classes but some schools mentioned that, ‘We’ll take you in ’17 but if you want to come in ’18 that’s fine, too.'”

    The 6-foot-5, 195-pound Putnam Science Academy (CT) and WE-R1 point guard opted to remain in the Class of 2018 and will now have a full year to make his college decision. He is ranked the No. 5 combo guard in 2018 by 247Sports.com.

    “I just feel like I got a better opportunity in 2018 as far as trying to establish myself,” he said. “I just want to keep getting better. I’m not in a rush to go to college and rush the process.”

    Ayala said Oregon, Miami, Syracuse, Arizona and Maryland all watched him this weekend at Basketball City. Indiana also offered Ayala on Monday, too, he said.

    “I just want to see what’s out there as far as recruiting,” he said.

    He broke down several schools:

    Former Quinnipiac combo guard Peter Kiss has signed with Rutgers after committing during his official visit on April 23.

    The 6-foot-5 Kiss, who also considered Seton Hall and Auburn, will sit the 2017-18 season and then have three years to play.

    “First and foremost, Peter Kiss is a terrific young man who comes from a wonderful family,” said Rutgers coach Steve Pikiell. “My staff and I are thrilled to add a guy who truly loves the game of basketball and will work tirelessly to make Rutgers basketball better. Peter is a high-level athlete who our fans will enjoy cheering for every time he takes the court. Peter plays with a swagger and a chip on his shoulder and those are the exact qualities we will need from our team as we prepare to climb the ranks of the Big Ten Conference. We are very excited to welcome Peter, as well as his parents, Ida and Peter, to the Scarlet Knight family.”

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