Rhode Island and head coach Dan Hurley picked up a pledge on Sunday from Mike Tertsea, a 6-foot-10, 226-pound center from The John Carroll School (MD), a source told SNY.tv.
Tertsea chose the Rams over George Washington. He visited GW and La Salle in addition to Rhode Island.
“I picked URI because it’s a really good fit for me,” he told SNY.tv. “I love the coaching staff and the players. Also, I love the campus atmosphere as well.”
He is the Rams’ second 2016 commit following 6-9 power forward Mike Layssard Jr. from Northwood Lena High (LA), who chose Rhode Island over SMU, Texas Tech and others.
Together, Tertsea and Layssard Jr. should give the Rams front court depth moving forward in the Atlantic 10.
Tertsea needs 31 blocked shots to break the school record, will be a 1000-point scorer and will end up as second on the school rebounding list. He has shot over 50 percent each season while averaging 6.1 points and 5.5 rebounds.
“He is a rim protector, an outstanding offensive rebounder and a high-level defender as well as an evolving offensive player who can knock down the mid-range jump shot and plays with a strong basketball IQ,” Carroll coach Tony Martin said.
“I will bring toughness both mentally and physically,” Tertsea added. “I play as a power forward and I think I can create an impact playing on the team.”