Freshman class adds size, depth, talent to Tigers' undersized upperclass roster

Against North Carolina in the NCAA tournament last year, the Tiger starting lineup averaged six-feet, five-inches. The Tar Heels could have easily started five players taller than Princeton's tallest man.

With such a disadvantage and the desire to compete on the national level, Princeton went after a taller group of freshmen this year, hoping to add some height to its short lineup.

The five recruits that head coach John Thompson '88 was able to snare average six-feet, seven-inches and, on paper, look as strong or stronger than any other class in the league.

"We have a lot of size in our freshman class, and we think that we'll have more options in certain choices," Thompson said. "It will be good for a coach to know that your tallest body isn't 6-7."

The newest members of the men's basketball team show every sign of having the capability of stepping up towards the end of this season and provide reliable replacements should one of the current upperclassmen get injured.

For now, though, Thompson says that none are ready to make an immediate impact on the team and that they recognize their secondary roles behind the starting upperclassmen.

"We have a talented group of freshmen, but like any freshmen that come through here, they're kind of bobbling around, and they're trying to understand what this crazy coach expects, but they're working hard," Thompson said. "Eventually, for us to be a good team, we're going to need our freshman team to make contributions, and they're not ready to do that yet. I don't see any freshmen who are ready to make a strong initial impact."

Out of the five, only one is listed as a true guard, that being Northern California native Will Venable.

Venable hails from San Rafael High School outside San Francisco and brings to the team an average of 19 points and eight rebounds per game as a senior, as well as area Player of the Year honors. An accomplished track star at 200 meters, he will add a little quickness to the team, although he will probably not start much.

"Kyle Wente, Ahmed (El Nokali) and Ed (Persia) are all strong guards, so I see myself behind them, trying to give them breathers," Venable said.

The other freshman who will likely float between guard and forward is Massachusetts native Tom McLaughlin. The Andover High School native is a three time all-state player and was highly touted by many Div. I schools before blowing out his knee before the start of his senior season.

An all-state player his freshman year, he was even invited to the Nike Camp after that first year.

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The injury his senior year took him off the recruiting lists of a number of top programs but, if he recovers fully, he should make a huge contribution to the team.

In just three full high school seasons, he became the school's career leader with 1600 points and averaged about 10 rebounds a game.

The other forward is Judson Wallace, a 6-9 graduate of Westminster in Atlanta.

Although not as highly regarded as some other players, he will bring depth to the Tiger offense, having averaged 23 points and 18 rebounds per game his senior year. Along with McLaughlin, this first-team all-city player will be a competent addition to the forward rotation.

Also, in the pre-season game against EA Sports East, Wallace hit two three-pointers to lead all freshmen in scoring.

To help sophomore Konrad Wysocki at center, Thompson brought in big men Dominick Martin and Mike Stephens, both 6-10.

Martin was the league MVP his senior year at A.C. Reynolds High School in Asheville, N.C. During that season, he also averaged 21 points and 12 rebounds. In limited action against EA Sports, he picked up a number of solid rebounds and made a beautiful pass to junior forward Ray Robins as Robins streaked towards the basket.

The fifth recruit for the team is Napa, Cal. star Stephens, who was a McDonald's All-America nominee his senior year and averaged 22 points, 12 rebounds and 4.5 blocks per game.

Moreover, he received all-league honors his junior and senior year and County Player of the Year honors as a senior.

Stephens reportedly holds strong athleticism for such a big man and is a player expected to improve a good deal in college.

The five frosh are confident in their abilities to perform, but recognize their position behind those already acquainted with the system.

"I think the freshmen are doing alright," Venable said. "We're just trying to hang in there with the older guys, impress the coach, and get some playing time."