Big Mac finalizes Marauders’ class
Posted on 23. Feb, 2011 by Barry Hayes in Canada Spotlight, High School, Interviews
With their recent success of landing commitments from several blue-chip players, all McMaster needed was a little icing on the cake. That topping came this weekend, as 6’7” power forward Nathan McCarthy (Burlington, ON/Notre Dame) chose to become a “Mac” Marauder.
“As the (recruiting) process played out, Nathan became an even more critical piece given the strength of the guards coming in,” said McMaster head coach Amos Connolly. “We had taken the risk of putting all of our stock in him, hoping that the appeal of playing at Mac alongside some very talented young players would be an effective draw.”
With a big wingspan and advanced fundamental skills for a big man, McCarthy is part of a relatively shallow group of talented CIS-level post players in this year’s class. Several other CIS coaches from coast-to-coast are currently scrambling for “bigs” to fill their roster next year.
“I really like the type of Coach Amos is,” said McCarthy. “He shows so much confidence in his players and they all love to play for him. They’re a great group of guys and a very close team. I feel like I'd do well in that kind of situation.”
Filling the frontcourt void McMaster was looking for, McCarthy is now one of five nationally ranked Top 100 players in the current Class of 2011 rankings that have committed to the Hamilton, Ontario-based university: #21 Aaron Redpath (6’4” G/F), #29 Joe Rocca (6’2” G), #49 Adam Presutti (6’2” G), #84 Nathan McCarthy (6’7” F), & #97 Brett Sanders (6’5” F). All five commitments were released within a month’s time.
“We are fortunate to have secured our class this early,” said Connolly. “It gives us a chance to get to work in preparation for the upcoming season earlier than in year’s past.”
“Mac's facilities are the best in the country,” added McCarthy. “I'm excited to put in a lot of hours there and do whatever I can to help this team win a National Championship.”
“There are certainly some advantages for him in staying so close to him,” added Connolly. “Specifically, the opportunity to start his strength and conditioning program almost immediately. Athleticism is often the difference at our level, so strength and conditioning is pivotal. He is willing and able to get started and essentially give himself a head start compared to other student-athletes coming into first.”
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(Photo of Nathan McCarthy taken by Randy Smith at www.randysphotos.ca)
