Bucknell University Athletics
Bucknell Men's Basketball Inks Pair of Early Signees
11/24/2003 7:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 24, 2003
LEWISBURG, Pa. - Bucknell head men's basketball coach Pat Flannery announced Monday that two student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent to play for the Bison, beginning in 2004-05.
John Griffin, a 6-2 point guard from St. Joseph's Preparatory High School in Philadelphia, and Darren Mastropaolo, a 6-8 forward/center from Falmouth (Maine) High School, announced their decisions to attend Bucknell during the recently completed early signing period.
"The work ethic and skill level of both these players have us extremely excited," said Flannery. "John and Darren both have the 'game' to play basketball at the Division I level as freshmen."
Entering his senior campaign at St. Joseph's Prep, Griffin has already earned three varsity letters in basketball and one in baseball. Last season he was a First Team All-Catholic League selection while leading the Hawks to a 30-2 record and a league title. Griffin, who plays for coach William "Speedy" Morris, has been elected team co-captain this season. He was also a second-team all-league pick as a sophomore, when St. Joseph's won a division championship, and he led all Philadelphia players with a free throw percentage of .850.
"John comes from a great program in Philadelphia, where the basketball is extremely competitive," said Flannery. "He has outstanding court awareness and toughness, and he has a solid basketball background. He will be fun to coach because he knows the game and has the athletic ability to play right away."
Mastropaolo is one of the top prep players in the state of Maine, where his Falmouth team is expected to contend for a Class B title. He is an All-Western Maine Conference selection and a member of the Maine Select team that played in the AAU national tournament in Orlando, Fla. An outstanding athlete, Mastropaolo also competes for the Falmouth tennis and golf teams.
"Darren was the post player we wanted from the beginning of the recruiting period," said Flannery. "He has strong post moves and decent perimeter range. Darren is a real competitor who showed this summer how bright his future will be with the Orange and Blue."
