(Photo by Eric Espada/Nova Southeastern Athletics)
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Head coach Jim Crutchfield is off to an impressive start in his second recruiting cycle with Nova Southeastern, as the men’s basketball program landed a pair of early signees for the 2019 class in both Jake Maranville and Tommy Sala on Tuesday.
“When I think about the types of players I want to coach, Jake and Tommy are pretty much the prototype,” said Crutchfield. “Just talk to any of the coaches that have worked with them, whether it be their high school or AAU coaches, and they will attest to that. They have unique skill sets to go along with great work ethics, which leads me to believe they’ll transition nicely into the college game.”
A teammate of Sala on the AAU circuit with TNBA-Ohio, Maranville caught the attention of the Nova Southeastern coaching staff as a junior. During the 2017-18 season, the 6-foot-2 guard averaged roughly 13 points, 4 assists and 1.5 steals per game for Lake High School in Uniontown, Ohio on his way to being named First Team All-Federal League and First Team All-District 4. To further validate the type of student-athlete Crutchfield is receiving, Maranville also owns a perfect 4.0 grade point average in the classroom.
“The outstanding coaching staff, as well as the competitive atmosphere within the program, is what sold me,” said Maranville. “I’m very excited about the direction the university is heading both academically and athletically. Add in the top-notch facilities and teammates…I couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity. I heard the weather isn’t bad either.”
Sala, meanwhile, led the way for a top-notch Lakewood High School program a year ago, guiding the Rangers to a 22-3 record and just their second conference championship since 1974. His 10 points and 5 rebounds earned him all-conference honors. According to Prep Hoops, the 6-foot-8 wing ranks as the No. 42 player in the state of Ohio.
“I feel there is a huge opportunity to succeed both on the basketball court and in the classroom,” Sala replied when asked about his decision. “It’s (NSU) a beautiful campus with amazing facilities and a great coaching staff.”
Maranville and Sala are the latest players from the Buckeye state to join the Sharks, following the footsteps of David Dennis and Eddie Puisis.
To stay up-to-date with the Sharks on the recruiting trail, follow them on Twitter @NSU_MBasketball.