Nov. 24, 2008
POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. - Marist head men's basketball coach Chuck Martin announced the signing of three players to National Letters of Intent on Monday. Anell Alexis, Sam Prescott and Candon Rusin will join the program in the Fall of 2009.
"We're really excited about these three incoming freshmen," Martin said. "We think that they are a really good fit for our style of play. All three of them are skilled perimeter guys who can make open shots and have a good feel for the game. They're good kids from winning programs, and they're perimeter guys with size, which is critical in this league."
Anell Alexis - 6'6" / 185 - Guard / Forward - St. Thomas More Prep (Conn.) - Newark, N.J.
Alexis is averaging 15 points and eight rebounds this season at St. Thomas More Prep in Connecticut. Last season, he played on a state championship team at St. Benedict's Prep in New Jersey. Alexis is the son of Wendell Alexis, who scored 1,212 points in his collegiate career at Syracuse and enjoyed a distinguished playing career overseas.
Martin on Alexis: "Anell is a 6-foot-6 skilled 3/4 man who can be a heck of a lockdown defender once he learns to play at this level. He can step out and make open shots."
Sam Prescott - 6'3" / 185 - Guard - Imhotep Charter - Philadelphia, Pa.
Prescott brings a tremendous amount of athleticism and defensive ability to the wing, as well as good shooting ability. He is coming off a terrific summer on the AAU circuit, which he looks to carry forward into his senior year.
Martin on Prescott: "Sam is an athletic wing who can make open shots who has a world of potential. He's really good athlete who can play at the rim and can defend. He's quick. He's going to add some defense and depth to our team, and he has the ability to make open shots."
Candon Rusin - 6'3" / 170 - Guard - Topsail - Hampstead, N.C.
Rusin averaged 28.3 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.6 assists per game last season at Twin Valley High School in Vermont. A gifted shooter, Rusin connected on 70 three-pointers, hitting over 40 percent of his attempts from long distance. He shot 49 percent from the field and 13 games of 30 points or more. For his senior year, he has transferred to Topsail High School in North Carolina.
Martin on Rusin: "Candon is another big combo guard who's going to add some needed scoring to next year's group. He was one of the best guards on the AAU circuit this summer, and we're really excited to have him."
