Project Triple Threat / Staff Writer
Anyone with an ounce of hoops experience would agree that quality post players are not a dime a dozen.
And, a quality inside player with the skill and versatility to stretch a defense while keeping opposing teams honest? That's even more of an egg hunt. Well, PTT and Notre Dame-West Haven Prep's, Fabian Cox, has become just that. "Typically when you hear about versatile big men who can stretch the floor, it's code for 'he's big and skilled but not productive inside.' Cox is legitimately versatile," said New England Recruiting Report founder, Adam Finkelstein. "He's got a broad build from head-to-toe that allows him to clear space inside. He has a super soft touch that already allows him to stretch the floor and he's a good passer on top of that." Project Triple Threat (PTT) founding coach, Drew Dawson, agrees with Finkelstein. "Fabian is all of 6'8 with a good frame and strength...he's skilled, and shows good poise on the block," explained Coach Dawson. Following graduation from Hamden High School (CT), the 6-foot-8 frontliner opted for a post-graduate year at ND-West Haven, averaging 11 ppg, 6 rpg while shooting 43% from beyond the arc. Fabian is unsigned and attracting interest from the likes of FDU, Pace, UNH, SNHU, among others. His most recent offer is from NAIA contender, Trinity Christian College. Whoever ends up signing Fabian will be getting not only a great kid, but also a coach's dream from the standpoint that Fabian is a classic late bloomer, who's just beginning to truly understand how effective he could be on the college level. Find a few notable tweets below and you can read more on Fabian HERE.
Project Triple Threat / Staff Writer Ask any Project Triple Threat (PTT) member what things come to mind when describing East Catholic's Chris Jones, and with little hesitation words, such as, "effort" "worker" and "competitor" are all spoken.
Now, the 6-foot-2 guard will take these descriptives along with a passion for the game and plenty of upside to the Little East Conference and nationally recognized, Eastern Connecticut State University. Over the course of two seasons, Chris helped lead a few different PTT teams including PTT-White, which consisted of other college-bound players and competed in numerous nationally recognized events throughout the northeast. PTT-White head coach, Jimmy "Eco" Economopoulos, thinks Chris is a great fit for a Warrior squad that already includes former PTT combo guard, Thomas Close. "Chris consistently competes with a high motor, a ton of energy and a hunger to be coached," said Coach Eco. "I'm not surprised one bit Chris landed at such a strong D3 program...the Eastern CT coaches will be extremely happy when they see firsthand what Chris brings to a team both on the court and in the locker room." We congratulate Chris on his commitment and wish him all the best on the next chapter! #ObsessProcess Chris Jones on PTT: "Project Triple Threat has taught me many lessons not just in basketball, but in life as well. I would like to thank the PTT program and coaching staff for all their help and dedication along the way."
Project Triple Threat / Staff Writer
PTT-Blue's Giovanni Rubino recently committed to Muhlenberg College, out of the highly competitive Centennial Conference.
Following a solid senior high school campaign, Giovanni decided on a prep year at Cheshire Academy, and under the leadership of former NCAA Division I coach, Jim McCarthy. Throughout the 2019-2020 season, Giovanni proved to be a pivotal piece for Coach McCarthy and a Cheshire Academy squad that went from two wins during the 2018-2019 season to 14 wins along with a NEPSAC AA playoff berth this year. "Giovanni is a very skilled and savvy point guard; he's an efficient shooter and scorer with a great feel for the game," Cheshire Academy Head Coach, Jim McCarthy, told the New England Recruiting Report. "He sees the floor incredibly well and knows how to make the right basketball play." PTT founding coach, Drew Dawson, agreed with Coach McCarthy's assessment. "Giovanni has done a heck-of-a job making the most of his opportunities," said Coach Dawson. "After flying under the radar for some time, Giovanni left his mark on our club program while establishing himself as an excellent prospect...Coach Hopkins is getting a kid who's skilled, can make a play for himself and others and, overall, has a great feel for the game." With time and added strength, Giovanni is poised to have an outstanding college career, and we couldn't be happier for Gio's accomplishments, #ObsessProcess. Giovanni Rubino on PTT: "In my personal journey, I wouldn't be where I am today without Project Triple Threat. Coach Dawson and the whole staff went out of their way to push me on and off the court while giving me a platform to perform against top competition. I'm extremely grateful to have found a program like PTT." Note: Giovanni joins fellow Project Triple Threat (PTT) standout, Justin Allen, who's a rising sophomore at Muhlenberg and marked an impressive freshmen year, averaging 8.3 ppg and 5 rpg for the Mules.
Project Triple Threat / Staff Writer Six-foot-two guard and former PTT-Blue and Choate Rosemary Hall standout, Ryan Zambie, has committed to D1 Lafayette College of the Patriot League.
An explosive combo guard, who led the 2019-2020 Choate prep squad in both points and assists while earning First Team All-New England honors, Ryan left his mark on Project Triple Threat (PTT), helping lead PTT-Blue, alongside scholarship-bound backcourt members, Matt Becker and Aaron Lathom, to a number of event wins and Sunday tournament championship appearances. "Zambie is a playmaker," said PTT founding coach, Drew Dawson. "Ryan see the floor, makes plays for himself and others, and competes like crazy...he was a floor leader with both PTT and at Choate." Ryan joins seven other PTT players to commit NCAA D1 in just the last three years. We couldn't be happier for Ryan and his opportunity to play at the highest level of college basketball. Ryan Zambie on PTT: "Project Triplet Threat (PTT) is a great program that I think really grew my game and helped prepare me for the next level. Everyone is held to a high standard at PTT, and taught to play the game the right way."
Project Triple Threat / Staff Writer
When you think of Project Triple Threat wing, Matt Becker, a few things quickly come to mind: big guard, high basketball IQ, skilled; unselfish, etc. While these qualities are all true, Matt's upside would likely be the thing his coaches and teammates point out; as one of his most marketable qualities.
"It's been neat to see the path Matt's on," said PTT founding coach, Drew Dawson. "Matt has been with PTT for a few years now, and just about every time he walks into the gym, the staff inevitably comments about how Matt looks taller, more athletic, or how his shotmaking keeps improving, so on and so forth. He's got a tone of upside." For these reasons and others. Saint Anslem, a member of the competitive Northeast-10 conference, is getting a borderline steal in the former Fairfield Warde and New Hampton Prep guard. Matt committed to the Hawks and a full scholarship on April 18th. "Matt is a competitor, who gives everything he has every possession," noted New Hampton Prep head coach, Andrew Gale. "He [Matt] brings versatility, does a little bit of everything and is a winner in all phases of the game." New Hampton capped off the 2019-2020 season with a 98-91 win over perennial prep powerhouse, Brewster Academy, while claiming the NEPSAC Class AAA title. You can read more about Matt Becker's commitment HERE.
Project Triple Threat / Staff Writer
You'd be hard pressed to find a teammate, coach, opponent, or college recruiter that doesn't have a great deal of respect for PTT guard, Aaron Lathom.
Over the course of two club seasons with Project Triple Threat (PTT), Aaron led PTT-Blue to a host of big wins and championship Sunday tournament appearances. Upon graduating from Glastonbury HS (CT), where he collected multiple CIAC All-State honors, Lathom opted for a post-grad year at Taft School in Watertown, CT. "Aaron set the tone for our group this season with his work ethic throughout the fall," explained Taft head coach, Shavar Bernier. "He was consistently willing to get up at 6:00 am for morning workouts and usually brought a few teammates with him. His confidence and will to be great pushed him, and allowed us to reach our potential." Now, Aaron will take his talent and work ethic to the Northeast-10 conference, signing with perennial league power, Bentley University. "He [Lathom] is one of the few athletes that I've coached here at Taft that is actually reaching their full potential," Bernier added. "To be named NEPSAC Class A All-New England, with how productive he was this season, and then to become a scholarship player in the NE-10, it's special." PTT founding coach, Drew Dawson, agrees. "Aaron Lathom is on Mount Rushmore of players I've had the pleasure of coaching," said Coach Dawson. "He leads, is a great teammate, coachable, and competes with tremendous focus and grit. Bentley is getting a good one in Aaron." Aaron Lathom becomes the fifth PTT player just this year to earn a scholarship to play in college.
Brad Landry / PTT Contributor
The Project Triple Threat (PTT) community is excited to share the news that former PTT standout, Jayden Nixon, was recently awarded a scholarship from University of Virginia head coach, Tony Bennett.
Then a freshmen, Jayden's Virginia team defeated Texas Tech, 85-77, to win the 2019 NCAA Division I National Championship. Through hard work and a relentless commitment, Jayden earned a full scholarship for the 2020-2021 season. We could not be more proud. Prior to joining the UVA men's basketball program, Jayden helped lead the 2017-2018 Choate Rosemary Hall (CT) prep team to a NEPSAC Class A Championship while being named First Team All-New England. Jayden was taken back by the news of a full scholarship. "Honestly, I was completely caught off guard. We do what’s called a 'chair exercise' at every away game," Jayden explained. "It’s basically a team bonding experience in which each of the players and coaches participate in at some point. We have to say a highlight and a low-light, and that particular game it was Coach Bennett’s turn. He [Bennett] said, ‘this highlight is a pretty special one...I want to offer Jayden a full scholarship for this year.’ It was a really cool experience.” As a result of ongoing coronavirus restrictions, Jayden is currently at home taking four classes online while working to keep up on his conditioning. With a full ride now added to his resume, he's looking forward to summer and getting better. "There always more you can do," Jayden noted. "You just have to keep working." Jayden Nixon on the PTT: “Listen to Coach Dawson and the PTT staff. They have a lot to offer. The things I learned from them in just one year have helped me so much at UVA." We wish Jayden all the best and look forward to following his progress. Follow Jayden Nixon on Twitter @jndream21 and IG @jnixon_.
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