Jaren Sina, a talented 2013 point guard from Gladstone (N.J.) Gill St. Bernard’s, announced Monday night for Northwestern over Rutgers and Seton Hall.
Northwestern head coach Bill Carmody and assistant Fred Hill have cultivated a long and successful relationship with the 6-foot-2 Sina, a former Alabama commit ranked the No. 23 point guard in the Class of 2013 by Rivals.com.
“There was obviously location; it’s a great place,” Sina’s father Mergin, who coaches Gill St. Bernard’s, told ESPN.com after SNY.tv first reported the news.
“Academically, it’s one of the top programs, and the kids can play at a high level. Coach Carmody and Hill and staff, we’ve been attracted to the way they played all year. It’s a similar style we play in high school. I think it’s a great transition for Jaren.”
“Northwestern’s in a great conference, and academically it’s one of the top schools in the country, my family likes that part,” Jaren told PurpleWildcats.com last month. “I like the opportunity I’d have coming in as a freshman and getting to contribute right away.”
Rutgers is set at point guard with rising sophomores Myles Mack and Jerome Seagears, while Seton Hall is awaiting word on whether Texas transfer Sterling Gibbs will be given a hardship waiver to play this season. The Pirates also have a verbal commitment from 2013 guard Aquille “The Crimestopper” Carr.
Mergin told SNY.tv recently that playing time was a key factor for his son.
“Somewhere where Jaren can really go in there and find a system where he can play,” he said. “That’s going to be very important.”
Now they hope other top talent will follow Sina to Northwestern.
“Northwestern got Jaren,” Mergin told ESPN.com. “I know it’s a start. Once you get a player with Jaren’s talent — I’m not saying Jaren is going to be the Derrick Rose of Chicago — but other people may follow him. People who really want to be student-athletes. There will be some players who will follow us.”
