Texas A&M Basketball Recruiting
Reese is a silky, smooth, silent assassin. He loves to play in an uptempo offense and create shots for himself and his teammates. He can get by any defender and finish at the rim or dish it off to his teammates for an open shot. Mike has that extra gear that not too many players possess. He seldom has to use that extra speed but when he does, you can see the difference between an average player and a great player.
Alex comes to the Aggies in a more sudden recruitment. It wasn't until this past summer where Caruso made a name for himself on the recruiting trail. He is a 6'6 guard that can handle the ball and think two plays ahead of the opponent. His length and basketball IQ combine to give him the necessary skills to stay one step ahead of a defender. While he will primarily play on the wing for the Ags, he has the ability to play point guard in certain occasions. He sees the floor and passes the ball like a true lead guard but can score when asked to do so. Look for Caruso to make an impact not only on the court but in the locker room as well. He understands how to help guide a team and will be an extension of the coaching staff.
Thoughts from around the country
Men's Basketball signs top local talent in 2012
Coach Kennedy's comments on the incoming class...
“I am so excited to announce our two signees to our Texas A&M Aggie basketball family,” head coach Billy Kennedy said. “Alex and J-Mychal are quality students, have great character, and are proven winners. They fit the type of profile that we will continue to recruit for many years to come here at Texas A&M. I am so thrilled that they are both excited to be Aggies!”
Bryan PG J-Mychal Reese
Position Rank: 7
Overall Rank: 54
Profile: ESPN Profile
Reese is a silky, smooth, silent assassin. He loves to play in an uptempo offense and create shots for himself and his teammates. He can get by any defender and finish at the rim or dish it off to his teammates for an open shot. Mike has that extra gear that not too many players possess. He seldom has to use that extra speed but when he does, you can see the difference between an average player and a great player.
Reese controls the basketball as if it were on a string. There have not been many times in his short career where he has lost the ball to a defender in a one on one situation. He will slash through the paint to get to the basket, but his best offensive attribute is his mid-range jumper. He is deadly from between 10 and 15 feet. Being able to stop on a dime and hit the pull up jump shot creates more opportunities for his three point shot and drives. It keeps the defense off balance and puts him in control of the game. J-Mych has been coached by his father, John Reese, throughout high school and has been taught the fundamentals of team defense. He is a long, athletic player that has the talent and the mentality to take over a game at any moment.
The one aspect of Reese's game that will need to improve is his communication on the floor during the game. He is a quiet leader that leads by example, but to be a GREAT point guard, he must develop a vocal presence.
Coach Kennedy's Thoughts:
“In J-Mychal we are getting an athletic point guard who can also score. His quickness and ability to get in the lane puts pressure on defenses. His scoring talents allow him to play on or off the basketball. He has demonstrated over the last few years to be one of the top point guards in the country.”
Coach Cyprien's Thoughts:
"He's tremndous. His understanding of the game and that he's a coach's son, I could go on and on about him and what he's going to do with this program, but he's a good one," Cyprien said. "He has great quick and good court awareness. He has a great first step and is really, really good coming off a ball screen. And he has a high IQ. He fits in really well with the way we want to play."
A&M Consolidated G Alex Caruso
Position Rank: 15
Overall Rank: 84
Profile: ESPN Profile
Alex comes to the Aggies in a more sudden recruitment. It wasn't until this past summer where Caruso made a name for himself on the recruiting trail. He is a 6'6 guard that can handle the ball and think two plays ahead of the opponent. His length and basketball IQ combine to give him the necessary skills to stay one step ahead of a defender. While he will primarily play on the wing for the Ags, he has the ability to play point guard in certain occasions. He sees the floor and passes the ball like a true lead guard but can score when asked to do so. Look for Caruso to make an impact not only on the court but in the locker room as well. He understands how to help guide a team and will be an extension of the coaching staff.
Alex will need to greatly improve his strength in the weight room. He is still in the process of growing and adjusting to his body, but to see the floor as a freshman, Caruso will need another 15 pounds of muscle before next season.
Coach Kennedy's Thoughts:
“Alex brings tremendous athleticism and versatility to our team on the perimeter. His skill level and size allow him to play all three perimeter positions. He’s a good athlete who has a great feel for the game.”
Coach Cyprien's Thoughts:
"Alex has great athleticism and plays extremely hard and you have to have guys like him going into the new league. He brings an unbelievable amount of toughness to the team," said Cyprien. "We're fortunate enough to have him on our team."
Thoughts from around the country
DAVE TELEP, ESPN.COM NATIONAL RECRUITING ANALYST:
"Reese is one of those lead guards who can captain the ship and score points. He has a way about him and never looks nervous. He's played against the best, on the biggest stages and he's the owner of a quiet confidence. J-Mychal can step on the gas pedal and make it go very fast. Getting into the lane and finishing with athleticism are strengths."
“Even if Caruso's father hadn't been in the Aggies’ athletic department, to me this is a kid Billy Kennedy would have gone great lengths to recruit. He's a rugged competitor who holds himself to a high standard, can handle, pass and finish. His ascension in June turned out to be one of the feel-good stories of the summer.”
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