BBall Training Camp Report - Rochester

Rochester's boys basketball program was betrothed a glorious gift from the basketball gods this past offseason.

His name is James Young and he's the best prep hoopster in the entire state of Michigan.

Recently signed with Kentucky for his college hoops, the 6-6 ½ swingman is an astoundingly well-rounded talent and considered the No. 5 prospect in the whole United States by ESPN.

Transferring to Rochester late this summer from Troy, his arrival makes the Falcons automatic contenders for a long run this upcoming season.

"Obviously, it was pretty exciting news," said Rochester head coach John Pleasant of learning of Young's enrollment back in August. "James is a rare talent and I'm sure he's going to help us a lot."

Not that Pleasant and his program needs much help. They've been doing pretty darn well in their own right the past couple campaigns.

Rochester is coming off back-to-back OAA league titles, but still looking for the program's first district championship in over two decades.

Senior center Arben Carmaj will probably benefit most from Young's presence in the lineup. Carmaj, a 6-foot-7 workhorse with good footwork in the paint and a silky-soft touch around the rim made big strides last season and has the potential to explode this winter with defenses so preoccupied with his brand new superstar teammate.

Along with Carmaj, senior forward Manny Mendoza, an athletic 6-foot-2 wing, is returning to reclaim his role as one of the area's best perimeter defenders and sparkplug junior point guard Jason Lee, entering his third year on varsity, is ready to assume starting floor general duties after two seasons in a reserve capacity.

Junior Mike Murri, another back-up last season, will take on more responsibility this year as well. He had a very productive summer and can keep opposing defenses honest with his steady shot from the outside.

Dametrius Magee, the JV's top player last season, has a good chance at being the breakout star of the year for the Falcons. He'll split time coming off the bench and starting and is a force to be reckoned with in the open floor.

"We have some expectations now that we didn't have a few months ago and these guys know that," said Pleasant on his outlook on the upcoming campaign. "I think they'll be up to the task."