With Joey Rodriguez becoming a household name basically overnight and Gary Browne signing with West Virginia there has never been more interest in recruiting Puerto Rico. The talent has always been here and programs like the Miami Tropics and Puerto Rico Pump and Run have been placing local kids at both prep schools and colleges for years. Those two programs laid the foundation and put Puerto Rico on "Summer Circuit" map. With over 30 Division I players of Puerto Rican descent currently enrolled, coaches at all levels are looking for players to sign for the Fall Semester.
"I think Puerto Rico may finally be getting the recognition it deserves as being one of the real hotbeds for talent. There are some great clubs and fantastic coaches in PR. They are doing a great job developing players on the court. With the Rodriguez kid at VCU having such a great season it has really helped to peak interest. This is most especially true at the Junior College level which for a lot of kids from Puerto Rico is the most realistic option, said Todd Washington, Founder of PR Playmakers.
Most of Puerto Rico's best recruits often do not speak fluent English and have done very little to prepare for the SAT and ACT. Many coaches and parents are not familiar with the NCAA Clearinghouse and the core requirements to qualify academically for a scholarship. Thus, Junior College is a real option as it allows players to spend two years at a Junior College working on the academics and getting accustomed to the style of play on the mainland. Upon graduating with an Associate Degree, players can then transfer to play Division 1,2 or 3 and have two years left of eligibility.
"There are still lots of scholarships available at all levels (D1,D2,D3 and Junior College). We will be announcing the date of the Showcase early next week. This will give players graduating in 2011 and those graduating in 2012 a chance to get a scholarship", said Washington.
For more information send an email to unsignedseniors@AT&T.blackberry.net
