No One Tougher Than Gaines

There are very few players in the 2004 class that can match the toughness of Sundiata Gaines, a high school junior from Archbishop Molloy in Briarwood, New York. Gaines, an undersized beastmaster in the paint, goes about 6-1, and 190 pounds.

He is rugged, tough, and strong. He beats up on players six to eight inches bigger than him inside the paint. But will his size hurt him in the long run on the division one level. College coaches love players who have the mental and physical toughness like Gaines possesses. But being 6-1, college coaches always use that as the main factor in not recruiting a player like Gaines.

This past weekend, Gaines helped the Gauchos reach the final of the Playaz tournament held in Teaneck, New Jersey. Gaines scored 20 points against the Playaz, many of them inside drives or offensive rebounds. Gaines also did connect on a three-pointer, showing some skill from the perimeter.

For Gaines to gain confidence in high division one programs, he will have to launch some more three-pointers. He can certainly attack the basket, much like Billy Edelin does for Syracuse. He is an adequate ball-handler who puts in some time running the point for Jack Curran's Stanners. (Reported by Brian Towey)

There are several high division one programs likely to take a peek at Gaines and see how he progresses in his over all game. Pittsburgh, Villanova, Florida, Illinois, Seton Hall, St. John's, Miami, Connecticut and Kentucky. Pittsburgh and Villanova have been listed by Gaines being of interest.

Sundiata, averaged 22 points, seven rebounds, and four assists this past winter. He will likely play for The New York Gauchos this summer.