Brian Fruscio on John Moutopoulos and The Albany Academy

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Left and Right: Moutopoulos

Center: Fruscio

 

After winning the 2012-2013 Federation title against John Adams, the question for Brian Fruscio and his Albany Academy team is “What’s next?”  For many of the seniors, it is time to move on and play college ball. For the returning players and new members of the team, it is their chance to add to the success to which Albany Academy is growing accustomed.

One returning player from the Federation Championship team is John Moutopoulos. He stood out last season as one of the best defenders on the court at all times. Next season, Fruscio is expecting more than just defensive prowess from Moutopoulos.

“John was a great leader this year (2012-13) but we are going to rely on him to improve on that this year.  We are going to need him to score a little more, keep everyone involved on offense, and once again anchor our defense,” Fruscio said. “John anticipates where the ball is going. He also studies your weaknesses and takes advantage of that.”

Albany Academy often has players at the end of the bench who would be stars at most other high schools. Because of this, Fruscio believes that players “earn their time. If they hope to play after high school, then they need to learn how to compete for a spot and a role as a contributor.” John Moutopoulos is a glowing example of this. He earned his place on the court by being a reliable defender and he has the ability to play at the college level.

As an expected leader of the Cadets team next season, Fruscio hopes that Moutopoulos will communicate with his teammates that winning the Federation title this past season does not guarantee any sort of future success. “I expect them to understand that last year is last year. They need to know that everyone will bring their A game. I expect that we play harder than everyone-smarter than everyone and together at all times,” Fruscio said.

Looking ahead, Albany Academy will have to bring their A game against quality competition next season. Being an independent school can bring obstacles, and Albany Academy had their share of growing pains when it came to scheduling games as an independent. According to Fruscio, they have built great relationships and are able to play the same “great teams every year now.” Next season, Albany Academy will take part in the Hoop Hall Classic in Springfield, Massachusetts.

When Academy takes the floor this coming fall, it is clear that John Moutopoulos will be one of the leaders for the Cadets. Fruscio’s confidence in John was clear when we asked him what level John could play at in college. “John Moutopoulos is a winner.  He is a great kid and someone who would make any program better. He would make some college coach very happy if they are smart enough to recruit him.” Fruscio went on to say that “John can play anywhere because he is fearless. John is a player and could help any team in the country.”

Brian Fruscio and John Moutopoulos are just part of a special basketball program that continues to grow at Albany Academy. Fruscio credits the “coaches and players who love the game and are willing to put in the time and effort to be successful.” In just six year’s time, Fruscio and the rest of the Albany Academy basketball family have created a true regional basketball power right in the heart of Upstate New York.

Josh Skinner-Staff Writer