BY ZACH SMART
During today’s transfer-crazed recruiting environment, with an unprecedented emphasis on weathered veteran experience, myriad programs throughout the country have been hesitant in taking more than one incoming freshman.
For Fairfield University, however, the coaching staff hasn’t exactly expressed the same trepidation.
The Stags bring in a deep freshmen class featuring the 2024-25 CHSAA “AA” Player of the Year in Halon Rawlins, a 6-foot-6 wing out of Nazareth HS. An inside-outside scorer with a wide ranging two way skill set, Rawlins averaged 24 PPG in conference play his senior season. Fairfield ‘s roster also includes true freshmen such as Putnam Science product Tony “Butta” Williams and a gritty, bigger built guard in Nasir Rodriguez.
Fairfield re-tooled its roster with transfers as well, bringing in experience with Harlem-bred guard Cam Estevaz (Rhode Island) and JUCO All American guard Eric Mejia of Washington Heights.
This past week, the Stags again tapped into the local New York City market, scoring a commitment from 6-foot-7 bulldozer and double double threat Oesoemano Sacko.
The versatile St. Francis Prep senior chose Fairfield over a barrage of suitors–Siena, Northeastern, Boston College, Richmond, and Florida International–to name a few.
Sacko has already scored his 1,000th career point. He poses a unique matchup difficulty with his back to the rim game, mid post game, and ability to score between a defender and the basket.
Simultaneously, Sacko has boasted a fluid mid range game and deft touch he can extend beyond the arc.
Sacko also has realized a big game engine during his time at St. Francis Prep under head coach Jimmy Lynch.
He erupted for 31 points and 13 rebounds, propelling the Terriers to a CHSAA “AA” Brooklyn Queens title over Nazareth. A then-sophomore, Sacko hit four consecutive 3-pointers at one point and provided authoritative rim protection throughout.
As a junior last season, Sacko scored 19 points and tore down 14 boards while providing the game sealing block during an OT CHSAA quarterfinal win over Cardinal Hayes.
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