Independent Top 10 team preview: No. 4 Prolific Prep Academy

By Staff Report Nov 8, 2016, 9:00am

Backcourt additions Gary Trent Jr. and Paul Scruggs elevate expectations for upstart program.

Video: Breaking down the Independent Top 10
Gary Trent, Paul Scruggs step in to fill the void left by Josh Jackson.

4. Prolific Prep Academy (Napa, Calif.)

Head coach: Billy McKnight

2015-16 record: 27-8

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Pierre Crockrell Jr. (6-0, So., G) … Major contributor last year as a freshman



Mamoudou Diarra (6-9, Sr., F/C) … Committed to Washington

Brown Eyisi (6-10, Jr., F/C) … Native of Nigeria

Oton Jankovic (6-9, So., F) … Newcomer from Croatia

Abu Kigab (6-6, Sr., G/F) … Committed to Oregon

Nathan Mensah (6-10, Jr., C) … Native of Ghana

Paul Scruggs (6-3, Sr., G) … Committed to Xavier



Amadou Sow (6-8, Jr., F) … Native of Mali

Gary Trent Jr. (6-5, Sr., G) … No. 11 overall prospect in Class of 2017
The 2016-17 Prolific Prep Academy squad.
The 2016-17 Prolific Prep Academy squad.
Photo by Todd Shurtleff
STORYLINES

* Findlay Prep's loss was a big time gain for Prolific Prep. Apple Valley, Minn., native Trent Jr. was all set to join Findlay Prep this fall until head coach Andy Johnson left for a position at Southern Utah University. With the coaching situation in flux there, the five-star guard elected to head to Prolific Prep.

* After a couple of successful campaigns with Kansas freshman Josh Jackson on the roster, Prolific Prep is franchising its brand. Prolific Prep North hits the floor this season in Ontario, Canada. The roster looks intriguing with Makur Maker (Thon Maker's cousin), 7-foot-3 Chol Marial and former Findlay Prep player Shakwon Barrett. Prolific Prep and Prolific Prep North will participate in the same event on multiple occassions in 2016-17.

KEY DATES

Dec. 2 – vs. Hamilton Heights Christian Academy (Chattanooga, Tenn.) @ Marshall County Hoopfest

Look for an expanded preview of Prolific Prep on November 11.