Crumpton Verbals

Today, Upstate scouting takes a look at a Division I recruit from the storied High School program at Niagara Falls.

6’5 NFHS Forward Jermaine Crumpton will play at Canisus College of the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference when his time with the Wolverines ends next season. Crumpton originally committed to Canisus under former Head Coach Tom Parrotta, however after Parrotta was let go, Crumpton pulled his verbal commitment until the offer was re-extended.

Crumpton’s High School Coach Sal Constantino at Niagara Falls says it was Crumpton’s play at a recent team camp which convinced new Canisus Head Coach Jim Baron to keep Crumpton on board. “We played this past weekend in the Canisus team camp, Jermaine was really, really good and Coach Baron extended the offer, Jermaine took it immediately”, said Constantino in a recent interview.

Crumpton averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds last season for Niagara Falls, his junior year. Crumpton played primarily in the post last season, which allowed him to average a double-double with his 6’5, 240 lb. frame to go along with his tremendous athleticism and scoring ability.

Constantino however, see’s his role in the offense changing next season to further prepare him for his time with the Golden Griffins. “He’s just scratching the surface on being a perimeter guy, but he’s got the chance to be really good. I think he’ll be wing (at Canisus). We’re going to move him out to the wing next year, under the agreement that he takes care of his body and comes back ready to play. That will be his next step, playing 100% on the perimeter.”

Baron has twenty years experience as D1 coach and is coming off an 11 year stint at Rhode Island in the Atlantic 10.   In 2000, he led St. Bonaventure to the NCAA Tournament, and in 2009 he took Rhode Island to the NIT semifinals in New York. He is well known for his up and down style of play in which Crumpton with his inside-outside capability, should excel.

From a school that has produced such talent at Jonny Flynn, and Paul Harris in recent years, Crumpton is the next name from the Niagara Falls program to become a Division I player. Crumpton will have the opportunity to play in a league that has produced NBA talent and been able to advance deep into the NCAA Tournament in recent years.

Before that, Crumpton will have one more season to refine his game in High School and lead Niagara Falls team into the post-season. “I know these kids would love to get to Glens Falls” said Constantino. “Jermaine wants to go a step further than we did last season losing in the regions.”

Upstate wishes the best of Luck to Crumpton and Niagara Falls in the upcoming season and would like to thank Coach Constantino for taking the time to answer our questions. 

Ross Bentley – Staff Writer