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Middlesex Magic's CENTER of attention: Ackerman selects Penn State
By New England Hoop New Staff, Tuesday, Sep 7, 2010
Pat Ackerman performed very well this July playing for the Middlesex Magic AAU team. That play parlayed him into offers from a host of mid and high level schools with strong interest from schools at competing at the very highest level. Ackerman found a school that he was very comfortable with early and decided to end his recruitment. The 6'11 center visited Penn State officially this past weekend and felt extremely comfortable with the opportunity to play there. Before leaving, he gave them his word, committing to spend the next four years as a Nittany Lion. Ackerman held offers from Siena, Bucknell, St. Bonaventure, Vermont and Penn State, all schools he visited unofficially. He also had strong interest from Michigan, Wake Forest, and Minnesota. All hoping to offere when he visited or when they got a chance to see him a bit more this fall during workouts. Penn State, on the other hand, was on him hard since the summer. They focued on Ackerman during the July recruiting period, and their efforts paid off. Middlesex Magic coach Mike Crotty said "I'm really excited for him. I think he can be a great player there. He loved Penn State when he visited unofficially in August and he loved it again when he visited officially". Ackerman is a mobile and long 6'11. He'll need to bulk up for the Big Ten, but his skill set is very advanced for his size. As his strength continues to develop and catch up to his skills, he could be really effective at that level. "He's one of the best kids i've ever coached," said Crotty. "He's got a very high ceiling. He has great potential, defends well, he rebounds, great passer. All of the offensive stuff he is good at. He can shoot 15 footer, jump hook, and he'll be coached as a big at the college level." It's not too often that skill and 6'11 go hand in hand, especially during their high school years.