Having the overused cliche “NCAA-or-bust” mentality won’t cut it anymore among mid-major conferences in college basketball. No longer do coaches gear up for one big season and forsake the future.
Enter Stony Brook, which is less than two years removed from winning the American East title. The Seawolves, after a slow start in 2010-2011, made a fantastic run to the America East title game, falling just short of earning a NCAA Tournament berth.
The Seawolves, with all but one player returning from last season, are expected to do big things this season. But it’s not all about this season. Coach Steve Pikiell has received verbal commitments from several touted recruits for next season.
Carson Puriefoy, a senior point guard at Bishop Eustace Prep om New Jersey, announced his commitment to the Seawolves on Monday.
“As soon as I left [Stony Brook], I felt it was the place for me,” Puriefoy told the Camden Courier Post on Monday. “The coaching staff was great and I love the atmosphere and academic support I’ll get there.”
The 6-foot guard averaged 21.4 points per game last season. Puriefoy joins 6-7 Jameel Warney of Roselle Catholic High School in New Jersey and Ryan Burnett, a 6-3 guard from Benedictine HS in Va., who have both reportedly made verbal commitments to the Seawolves.
Burnett had drawn interest from VCU, Richmond and George Mason
