Putnam Science Academy wing Mekhi Gray and Mercersburg Academy forward Quintin Metcalf took official visits to St. Bonaventure over the weekend. Gray, an explosive 6-4 guard, has narrowed his college list to SBU, Fairfield, NJIT, and Siena. Metcalf, a 6-8 forward who has developed an inside and outside game, has a final list of SBU, Howard, Drexel, and Fairleigh Dickinson.
Q: Our staff is very involved at Putnam, so how does Bona's ties to there influence your decision when you consider the the success of Osun and Kyle, and the successful recruitment of Justin Winston?
Gray: Well being that Osun and Kyle both came from Putnam, it shows me that there is a success in the coaching here and the transition to Bonas.
Q: What are your main priorities in evaluating a school/program?
Gray: A home feel. Somewhere I'll thrive and be able to be the best I can be on and off the court. A program where everyone is invested in making their players better and getting them to the next level. A school where I'll be set for a career after basketball. Connections with internships, and I highly spoke about the program because of the alums.
Q: Are you still planning on visiting Fairfield, and do you have an idea of when you're going to announce?
Gray: I am visiting Fairfield this weekend. And I am hoping to have my decision at some point next week.
Q: How did you feel about the school, staff, and players during your visit?
Metcalf: Well getting to campus at first I was just expecting it to be another college visit, but after having everyone show me around and talking to everyone, it turned out to be more than that. St. Bonaventure is an amazing place, and the people there are amazing. I like how everyone is involved and a family. When it came to the team even though I only knew them the two days, it felt like I knew them for so much longer. It’s a very nice environment and place to be. There wasn’t a downside to anything, and as coach Curran would say, I was blessed with the opportunity to experience it.
Q: What other schools are on your radar, and do you have an announcement date in mind?
Metcalf: Drexel and Howard, and I'm announcing my decision Friday.