Why not Canisius?
I've received a ton of e-mails and comment from people regarding Canisius' recruitment of Freddy Asprilla, who if the Griffs get lucky would be one of the best players to ever sign with the program. Some apparently can't believe a player the caliber of Asprilla who is being recruited by schools like Kansas State, Memphis and Oklahoma (even Florida made inquires about Asprilla), would be willing to attend Canisius. These are probably the same people who can't figure out how Newark's Javon McCrea would pick UB when Georgetown and UMass showed interest.
Recruiting is about relationships, not always what you have to sell or the size of your program. Canisius coach Tom Parrotta has a strong relationship with Art Alvarez of the Miami Tropics, Asprilla's AAU coach. Parrotta already has one of Alvarez's kids on campus in former South Florida point guard Gaby Belardo and is making a strong play for another in junior point guard Angel Rodriguez. Let's say Parrotta doesn't get Asprilla, the Tropics keep a steady stream of Division I talent - alumni include NBA guards O.J. Mayo and Jose Juan Barea - so there will be other talented players available for Canisius to recruit.
Canisius has experienced nothing but losing season after losing season and these are the kinds of players the program needs to win. The Griffs are chasing teams like Siena and Niagara, programs with high-major talent on its roster. Rob Garrison and Bilal Benn are former Big East players and Tyrone Lewis is talented enough to contribute on that level. Charron Fisher averaged over 26 a game as a senior at Niagara two years ago which means he was probably good enough to contribute at least 16 a night in the Big East. These are the kinds of players Joe Mihalich recruits to Niagara and the Purple Eagles win consistently. If Parrotta wants to do the same he has to go out and sign players like Asprilla.
It's time to stop wondering why Big 4 schools are gaining interest from players like Asprilla and McCrea. Maybe the question should be, "Why not?"
---Rodney McKissic
