In this column, we round out our Super 75 with the tallest in stature… the Top 15 post players or centers that I have seen live over the last 38 years. As has been the case with the other four positions – the links to which are posted below – these big men must have played for teams that were in our region at the time – for any number of years – and their careers must now be completed, so Andrew Sischo, for example, whose career will likely end in March of next year, is not eligible (though certainly worthy). In a different case, Bryan Griffin, who completed three years at Mercy two years ago, is still playing at the D1 level (Xavier) and, because of the Covid scholarship extensions, could theoretically return to the region and therefore is ineligible for this list (he would have made it).
In case you missed them, here are those links to the first four parts of the series:
https://d2easthoops.org/men/features/Super_75/SUPER_75_-_POINT_GUARDS
https://d2easthoops.org/men/features/Super_75/Super_75_Men-s_Shooting_Guards
https://d2easthoops.org/men/features/Super_75/Super_75_Men-s_Wings_-_Small_Forwards
https://d2easthoops.org/men/features/Super_75/Super_75_Power_Forwards
In short, this is a strictly talent-based list of stars who had a certain “Wow Factor.” There were far too many standout players for far too few spots, and there were many hard choices to make. So if a particular great did not make the cut, it was by no means an indictment on him. It simply means that there were others who captivated my attention more, in some cases, by a razor-thin margin. Or, in the case of flatfooted ties, their team’s fortunes were better. It also depends on when I saw a player and how effective he was in those games. Again, nothing against the individual. With all that context provided, here are my picks for the most memorable 5s:
Peter Alexis (Philadelphia, 2012-16) – If there is a constant in Hall of Fame Coach Herb Magee’s Rams teams, it has been down low, where almost always there has been a dominant center. That is certainly reflected in this group as there are three such greats worthy of inclusion. We begin, alphabetically as usual, with a talented, two-time Academic All-American from Wilkes-Barre, PA who redshirted at Penn State as a freshman and flourished in Philly, finishing his brilliant career ranked fourth in school history in scoring (2,116), third in rebounding (1,162), and second in rejections (268). Unlike the majority of seven-footers at the D2 level who tend to be either lumbering space-fillers or string beans that never develop, Alexis ran the floor exceptionally well for his size, had the stamina to play 40 minutes most nights and, as evidenced by the totals listed, drastically affected the game on both ends of the floor, with hook shots that were impossible to defend. In Alexis’ four years, Philadelphia compiled a 91-34 record, reached the CACC Tourney title game every year (winning it twice) and qualified for the NCAA Tournament each of his last three seasons. The 2016 CACC Player of the Year stood out like a giant in the Land of the Lilliputians, and not just because of his physical stature. (Photo courtesy Rob Cunningham, Director of Sports Information, Jefferson University)
Ramel Allen (Bridgeport, 2004-05) – There were two similar Bridgeport big men I seriously considered for this very special group, and I really only had room for one. So with all due respect to the powerful Gordon James, I am choosing Allen by a sliver because of what that 6-11, Bronx-born human windmill was able to accomplish in just one season for the Purple Knights. Specifically, he snatched a NYCAC (now ECC)-record 423 rebounds (14.1 pg) and recorded 146 blocked shots (4.9), the averages of which led all of Division 2, and the latter of the two representing the seventh-highest in history. An All-American who played 14 games for Jeff Ruland at D1 Iona, along with stints at two JUCOs, Allen – who helped UB go 21-9 his one season there – was the last player in our fair region to record two triple-doubles in one season (points, rebounds, blocks) and pulled down 22 and 20 boards, respectively, in single games, accentuating his dominance. And he wasn’t without offensive knack, either, averaging nearly 14 points a night that winter. Sure he collected his share of slams, but I also recall an agile body and an ability to deliver n a variety of ways in the paint. Like shooting guards Darian Hooker and Michael Sturns, Allen remains an enduring, one-year wonder, albeit in a much taller package.
Eric Anderson (New Haven, 2011-15) – No list of elite interior superstars would be complete without this 6-8 native of Newark, NJ, who is the only man to win the NE10 Defensive Player of the Year Award three times. Anderson was a true rim protector, as his school-record 238 blocked shots and 1,271 rebounds (second in UNH and NE10 history) emphatically attest. In fact, the All-American hauled in 13.1 rebounds per game his senior year, barely denying the great Garret Kerr from winning the national title three consecutive seasons. Anderson – who fronted back-to-back NCAA Tournament teams – was not only a tremendous boardsman and shot alterer, but he was also more than a capable scorer, using his long legs and athletic frame to churn out 1,551 career points, good enough for 12th in Chargers lore. However, it was his rejections and muscle-flexing on the glass that defined his stellar career, the highlight of which was a 26-point, 28-rebound, 10-block triple-double vs. St. Anselm on New Year’s Eve, 2014. One of the most commanding, physically gifted athletes of his era.
Gerald Beverly (Daemen, 2011-15) – At the same time Anderson was amassing his gaudy numbers, a similarly-built superstar from Rochester, NY was turning heads in the Westernmost outpost of our region, winning back-to-back ECC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Beverly was a formidable physical specimen with tremendous hops (definitely on my Top 10 Best Dunkers list) and a more than adequate jump shot, playing 120 games for a storied Wildcats program that transitioned from NAIA to NCAA classification during his tenure. The chiseled, 6-8 virtual superhero is all over the program record book, ranking sixth all-time in scoring (1,799), second in rebounding (1,004), first in blocks (330) and fourth in shooting (58.3%). Beverly – who was invited to NBA workouts with the Raptors and Suns before playing professionally overseas – once turned aside 12 shots in a game vs. St. Thomas Aquinas on December 17, 2014 and flaunted both power and pizzazz on a regular basis as an upperclassman in our region. As a bonus, if you ever get to see a game at Lumsden Gym in Amherst, NY, you won’t be able to miss a spectacularly imposing wall photo of Beverly stuffing a basketball through a hoop, practicaly in your face, as you walk up the ramp. (Photo courtesy Michael Miranto, Senior Associate Athletics Director for Operations & Communications, Daemen College)
Matt Bonds (St. Michael’s, 2013-17) – Yes, I realize that the 6-5 product of Accokeek, MD could more accurately be classified as a four, playing alongside bigger starters (at least for the opening minutes), but I shifted him to this position because he operated almost exclusively around the basket (he only hoisted 10 total threes), averaging a career double-double of 14.2 points and 10.3 rebounds (totals of 1,523 and 1,102, the latter ranking third in program history). Over his first two seasons, Bonds’ minutes were limited as a reserve for strong Purple Knights teams that just missed making the NCAA Tournament. When he finally got his chance to step into the spotlight, the cupboard was pretty bare, but this upperclassman displayed an uncommon work ethic, tirelessly carrying the team on his shoulders, brandishing power moves off the dribble in the paint, many of which resulted in running bankers, drop-step lay-ups and dexterous baby hooks. But his signature play was the “put-back” as the workhorse paced the nation with 4.27 O-Boards a game as a junior while finishing a close second in overall rebounding (12.3). Bonds’ best game came as a senior vs. Pace, when he amassed 25 points, 15 rebounds, career-high eight steals (all in the last 15 minutes) and the game-saving block on the final shot. Playing as if each game were his last is what earns him this spot.
Christian Burns (Philadelphia, 2005-07) – Though not as tall as Alexis above, this 6-9 All-American transfer from Quinnipiac wisely left Hamden (where he tallied only 168 points his first two seasons) and spent the balance of his career with Philadelphia University, putting a bow on his senior year as not only the CACC Player of the Year but also the D2 National Player of the Year. Burns was an agile, consistently excellent big who could shoot, rebound and defend at the highest collegiate level, starting all 57 of his games with the Rams and reaching double-figure scoring in 53 of them while shooting 56% from the floor. The product of Hamilton, NJ made the game look ridiculously easy. He was powerful in the post and could drain the mid-range jay, routinely eschewing lower-percentage shots (only 10 of his 580 attempts were from beyond the arc) as he racked up 1,097 points and 122 blocks in just two seasons, the latter number good enough to place him in the program’s Top 10 to this day. After the graduation of the great Tayron Thomas, Burns stepped up his game even more, taking the baton as leader, guiding Philly U. to another 20-win season and back to the NCAA Tournament. A beautiful basketball player to watch.
Laurence Ekperigin (Le Moyne, 2006-10) – The most talented athlete the Dolphins ever produced, this 6-7 warrior from Cortlandt Manor, NY somehow managed to average a double-double despite being the most double- and triple-teamed player I’ve seen. Exceptionally proficient in the low post, the 2009 NE10 Player of the Year displayed textbook footwork and could contort his body in traffic like no one else, bulldozing his way to the basket while establishing the NE10 standard for career field-goal percentage at .638. Ekperigin – who made it to the Denver Nuggets summer league and is in his 11th consecutive season playing professionally overseas – dominates the Le Moyne record book as its #1 scorer (1,966), rebounder (1,171, fourth-best in NE10 annals) and foul shooter (442 makes) while ranking third with 218 blocked shots. Even better, he is the only player ever to lead the NE10 in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots in the same year. Though his teams came achingly close to reaching the NCAAs, Ekperigin’s inclusion on this list is a no-doubter, emphatically underscored by his brilliant, 20-point, 11-rebound, 4-block, 3-steal effort in the massive 2009 upset at Syracuse – the last undefeated team in D1 that year as the Orange climbed to #1 two months after that shocking exhibition defeat at the hands of their D2 neighbors.
Eugene Haith (Philadelphia Textile, 1991-95) – When it comes to erasers in the paint, this 6-7 beast was one of the finest in D2 history, swatting away a school-record 281 attempts over a magnificent four-year career that saw the Rams post a staggering 113-13 record, including an unprecedented 66-0 at home. Haith was a headliner on both ends of the floor, explosive off the bounce and relentless in attacking the rim as he churned out 1,661 career points. But he was just as much a force on the other side of the ball, creating a human wall down low that made it extremely difficult for opponents to penetrate. The All-American local boy from Philly – who barely qualifies for this survey due to his one year in the region – was a vital component of a sensational Textile run that punched its ticket to the NCAAs each of his seasons, including a pair of Sweet 16 appearances and one Elite-8 as a sophomore in 1993 (when a member of the Atlantic Region). The only barrier that blocked Haith and his teammates – through no fault of their own – from three straight regional titles was New Hampshire College, which won consecutive championship games vs. the Rams, including an excruciating 1994 final that is considered by many to be the greatest D2 game ever played (and the game I most regret having missed).
Garth Joseph (Saint Rose, 1994-97) – Other than Manute Bol, whom I never saw play live during his one year at Bridgeport, the regional player with perhaps the most distinctive physical appearance was this 7-2, 315-pound “mountain posing as a man,” as the late, great Tom Konchalski might have written in one of his treasured scouting reports. Legend has it that Brian Beaury practically offered the Dominica native a scholarship after encountering him in an airport terminal. The rest, as they say, is history as the imposing All-American was essentially a D2 Shaquille O’Neal, inflicting his will in the paint and leading the universe in rim-rocking dunks that helped him “shoot” a Golden Knights-record .658 over his three years in Albany while racking up 1,289 points. As you might expect, the rebound numbers are also fairly lofty (second at CSR with 1,072 and first with a 12 rpg average), as are the 300 blocks, which rank third in regional history and second in NYCAC/ECC lore behind the notably shorter Richie Edwards of Adelphi (who nearly made this list himself). In fact, Joseph led all of D2 with a 3.6 blocks per game average his senior season before embarking on a pro career that saw him suit up for no fewer than 14 clubs, including brief NBA stops in Toronto and Denver. An unforgettable spectacle that would fit right in as a WWE character, especially off the court with his stylish cowboy hat and leather jacket.
Stacey Moragne (UMass-Lowell, 2002-06) – From the moment Ken Barer was hired as the River Hawks’ head coach, this was the high school recruit he most coveted, and the 6-4 big man from Evanston, IL more than lived up to the hype, starting out as a 4-man before shifting to the center position as an upperclassman. Moragne was an impact player right from the start, averaging 11.5 points as a rookie sixth man before joining fellow Super 75er Elad Inbar in the frontcourt the following season. When the Israeli superstar graduated, Moragne blossomed, earning NE10 Player of the Year in consecutive seasons (sharing the award his senior campaign) en route to career totals of 2,097 points (#4 in UML history), 839 rebounds (#5), a .558 field-goal percentage (#2) and 126 games played (#3). And quite unlike the majority of the studs listed at this position, the man Barer called an “undersized overachiever” and “the most consistent player I have ever coached” dragged defenders out beyond the arc as he shot the 3-pointer at a robust .428 clip (#4 at UML). Moragne’s teams collated a 95-31 record that was anchored by three Sweet 16 appearances and two Elite-8s.
Manny Perez (Caldwell, 2004-09) – The only reason this highly skilled center is even on this list is due to a torn ACL in high school that scared off the growing group of D1 suitors. And the 6-7 All-American from Egg Harbor Township, NJ endured a second knee surgery after sustaining an injury two games into his junior season with the Cougars. Ironically that was the same year the program enjoyed its best success since reclassifying from NAIA, with 19 wins and a near-upset of top-seeded Bentley at the NCAA Regional (who knows how far they could’ve gone with a healthy Perez). When healthy, he was arguably the CACC’s most dominant post presence, being named to All-Conference Teams four times over a prolonged banner career. Blessed with dynamic moves in the low post, as well as a reliable straight-on jumper and killer fadeaway, Perez collected 1,859 points (#2 in the program archives), 759 rebounds, 60 blocked shots (#9), a .562 career shooting percentage and school-record 567 made free throws (he shot FTs at a terrific percentage for a center at .759). Despite his injuries, the big man managed to carve out an impressive professional career, including a couple of years with the Harlem Globetrotters and another with the ABA’s San Diego Kings.
Damon Reed (Saint Rose, 1996-2000) – Imagine being a 6-10 freshman starter, and you’re not even close to being the tallest player on your team. That was the reality this athletic, tower of power faced when he partnered up with the aforementioned 7-2 Joseph to form the biggest, baddest front line this region has produced during my time covering it. Reed, out of Trumansburg, NY, was an assertive, unforgiving post-up specialist who was an expert at drawing contact down low. Reed produced 1,874 points (#2 in program history), league-record 1,280 rebounds (#1), 359 offensive boards (#1), 236 blocked shots (#2 behind Garth), league-best 605 free throw makes (#1) and .566 shooting percentage (#6), all while making a Golden Knights-record 122 starts in 128 career games (#2). But with all those majestic stats, perhaps the most stunning feat was his NCAA postseason-record 11-steal performance while in deep foul trouble during an overtime win vs. Stonehill for the 1998 Regional Championship. That was the first of back-to-back Final Four appearances for Saint Rose, with Reed being the main attraction up front… a menacing presence who had a nose for the ball and whose quiet demeanor off the court offered a stark contrast to his persona between the lines.
Wayne Robertson (New Hampshire College, 1990-94) – Here’s another big fella who was the “center”-piece of back-to-back national Final Fours, one of the focal points of those insanely talented Penmen teams that boasted a 100-28 overall record. He was a 6-5 widebody from Toronto who invited comparisons to two different professional sports icons of the early ‘90s: Charles Barkley and William “The Refrigerator” Perry. Nicknamed “The Fridge” due to his hefty physique, Robertson was a muscular, immovable object down low, but his skills and court awareness were off the charts, just as capable of dazzling spin moves and phenomenal finishes as he was of firing a bullet back out to an open shooter or anticipating an underthrown entry pass on defense. The deceptively quick All-American “Canadian” delivered 2,092 points (#3 in school history), which is downright impressive, but it’s nothing compared to his glass cleaning abilities as Robertson snatched 1,487 caroms – the highest total in regional history – despite frequently going up against taller counterparts. There was never any doubting his winner’s heart, which was on full display in the biggest games, including the vastly entertaining, 126-123 national semifinal vs. Troy State in 1993, during which he exploded for 31 points and 15 rebounds, just 24 hours after cranking out 27 points, 17 boards and five steals vs. South Dakota. A year later, in the upset over #1 Philly Textile for the Northeast Crown, Robertson also made his presence felt with a superlative 24-point, 13-rebound effort. (Photo courtesy Eric Coplin, Director of Athletics Communications, Southern New Hampshire University)
Nick Smith (Dominican, 2010-15) – It took two years as a backup and another as a sidelined sophomore before this 6-7 thoroughbred from Middletown, NY thrust his way into Joe Clinton’s starting lineup as a redshirt junior and never relinquished the reins. Freakishly athletic and uber-talented, the man with the average name and unforgettable game first caught my attention diving for a loose ball at center court and leaping onto the scorer’s table feet-first. At that moment, it was evident I wasn’t looking at an ordinary ballplayer, and his palpable energy, along with tremendous point guard Leon Porter, who helped galvanize the entire program, which, not coincidentally, turned the corner during this time, snapping a string of eight straight losing seasons and producing the first five winning campaigns of their NCAA era, including its initial trip to the big dance. In his final two years with the Chargers, Smith became a first-team All-CACC standout, his scoring totals flourished at 21.9 and 24.5, his shooting numbers were 62% and 66%, and he combined to snare 334 rebounds and reject 85 shots, landing him amongst the national leaders. As a senior, he eclipsed the 40-point plateau twice and lit up the Hennessy Center with dazzling, driving dunks. Smith – who only attempted two 3-pointers over his career (hitting one) – finished ninth on the school scoring list with 1,523 points while shooting a brilliant 62% overall.
John Tomsich (Le Moyne, 1995-99) – In a program rich with diverse, remarkable post players, here’s one who was recruited out of Mansfield, OH as a skinny, 6-10 “project” and was pressed into action when returning starting center John Henches suffered a season-ending injury before the campaign even began. All the 17-year-old Tomisch did that day vs. Molloy was corral 13 rebounds and block a then-record seven shots in his collegiate debut, never looking back as he helped the Dolphins reach the NCAA Tournament in each of his first two seasons, starting 112 of 114 career games throughout his career. The All-American remains high on Le Moyne’s all-time lists with 1,760 points (#4), 1,015 rebounds (#4), 264 blocked shots (#1 and #7 in the region) while shooting .534 from the floor (only one 3-point attempt). A terrific, two-way player, Tomisch showcased perhaps the most effective jump hook over my four decades of regional viewing, while on defense, his stance – all arms and legs – resembled that of a praying mantis, earning him NE10 Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. Though he led his team in scoring each of his last three seasons and in rebounding all four, the most notable talent the man affectionately known as “Jitter” offered was one that was invisible to anyone on the hardwood. You might be surprised to learn he was a walking encyclopedia, statistician and savant all rolled into one, capable of rattling off the most obscure stat or trivia question at any moment. Or, in my case, call me out on an errant factoid during a broadcast. (Photo courtesy Craig Lane, Assistant Athletics Director for Sports Information, LeMoyne College)
Next week, Steve and I will list the best players we’ve seen who never officially played in our region. Your comments are welcome at: chrisgranozio@gmail.com. Happy Hooping to All!
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