"I am tremendously excited about this recruiting class," declared Giannini. 

 

Kimmani Barrett (Paterson, NJ - Paterson Catholic), Rodney Green (Philadelphia PA - Prep Charter), Brian Grimes (Philadelphia, PA - Germantown Academy/Brewster Academy) and Yves Mekongo-Mbala (Elizabeth, NJ - St. Patricks) represent one of the most well-rounded and gifted incoming freshmen classes in recent Explorer history and will continue the rebuilding process begun by Giannini.

 

"Toughness, length, athleticism, and versatility are common qualities among these recruits.  Each of these players also come from extremely successful high school programs," the coach the coach continued.

 

"They are proven against the standards of going up against strong competition, winning and excelling individually.  We pursued this type of player with an eye towards elevating our talent level and creating a style of play that will be aggressive and effective.  They will fit in nicely with our returning players to build our future success."

 

KIMMANI BARRETT

6'6" Paterson Catholic High School, Paterson, NJ

Giannini on Barrett:

"Kimmani is an excellent scorer with strength, athleticism, and good instincts.  He scores from every area on the court including the three-point line, mid-range shots, and around the basket.  He is also a good rebounder and defender.  He brings us a proven player who has performed well in the best national high school tournaments, AAU competitions and elite invitational summer camps. He will have an immediate impact on next year's team."

 

RODNEY GREEN

6'5" Prep Charter High School, Philadelphia, PA

Giannini on Green:

"Rodney is an excellent defender and rebounder.  He is also a very good ball handler who excels in the open court.  He often gets rebounds and pushes the ball up the court himself quickly starting the fast break.  He can play the point guard position as he has the necessary skills and quickness and he likes to post on smaller guards.  He is big enough and versatile enough to also play on the wing.  Rodney is one of the most talented players in the Philadelphia area and has the potential to be another outstanding player in our rich history."

 

BRIAN GRIMES

6'7" Germantown Academy, Ft. Washington, PA

Post Graduate at Brewster Academy, Wolfeboro, NH

Giannini on Grimes:

"Brian is a versatile front line player who is an outstanding rebounder.  Offensively, he has excellent mid-range and low post scoring ability.  He also is effective driving to the basket. He is a solid three-point shooter who will end up being a very good shooter because of his willingness to work.  He brings us toughness, versatility, and intelligence on the court.  He was the leading scorer and rebounder for an outstanding Germantown Academy team coached by

La Salle Alumnus, Jim Fenerty.  We are also proud that he was president of his senior class and an honor roll student."

 

YVES MEKONGO-MBALA

6'7"  St. Patrick's High School, Elizabeth, NJ

Giannini on Mkongo-Mbala:

"Yves's toughness, and work ethic are truly exceptional.  He will bring immediate help defensively and with rebounding.  He is very athletic and can defend nearly every position on the court.  Offensively, he is an opportunistic scorer who scores in a wide variety of ways. Through effort and strength he gets a lot of big baskets in transition, and off of offensive rebounds.  His shooting and ball handling skills are solid and will become strong because of his tremendous work ethic.  He is a stand out for an elite high school program. We are proud that he is an honor roll student."

 

The Explorers will host their home opener this Saturday at Tom Gola Arena when they tip off against American University at 2:05 PM