Northwestern has landed a verbal commitment from arguably its best recruit in the Bill Carmody era.
Jaren Sina announced his decision to join the Wildcats on July 2 after decommitting from Alabama. The point guard from Lake Hopatcong, N.J. is the 75th best recruit in the class of 2013, according to ESPN.com, and is the highest recruit ever to commit to NU since ESPN.com began ranking recruits five years ago.
Mergin Sina coached his son at Gill St. Bernard’s School, and told ESPN.com coach Bill Carmody’s offense fits his son’s skill set.
“There was obviously location; it’s a great place,” Mergin said. “Academically, it’s one of the top programs, and the kids can play at a high level… We’ve been attracted to the way they played all year. It’s a similar style we play in high school. I think it’s a great transition for Jaren.”
Jaren was attracted to the Cats because of his relationship with Hill when the assistant was the head man at Rutgers. Hill was the first person to give Sina an official offer when the guard was just a freshman, and led NU’s charge in recruiting him.
“Coach Hill is a great guy,” Mergin told ESPN.com. “Northwestern is very lucky to have Coach Hill. The tie was there with Coach Hill. Once we knew he was at Northwestern, we knew he would follow Jaren and do a great job of recruiting him.”
Sina will add depth to the NU backcourt in addition to current sophomore guard Dave Sobelewski and redshirt freshman Tre Demps. The Sinas hope Jaren’s commitment will help spark more top-level recruits to consider NU and join him in Evanston.
“Northwestern got Jaren,” Mergin told ESPN.com. “I know it’s a start. Once you get a player with Jaren’s talent — I’m not saying Jaren is going to be the Derrick Rose of Chicago — but other people may follow him. People who really want to be student-athletes. There will be some players who will follow us.”
Jaren is the first recruit to commit to the Cats as part of NU’s 2013 class.
