2008 Woodie Awards
Martelli inks Idris
Geoff Roberts '08
Issue date: 12/1/06 Section: Sports
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Phil Martelli is agreat recruiter.
Martelli starts two freshmen on his team this season.
Two more play 20+ minutes per game coming off the bench. And these kids are not struggling to learn Martelli's system - they are busy electrifying crowds.
Yet, Martelli cannot rest.
Recruiting for next season is underway, and the Hawks have just signed their newest addition - Idris Hilliard.
A 6'7" forward weighing 205 pounds, Hilliard recently signed his national letter of intent to play at Saint Joseph's beginning in the fall of 2007.
"We are delighted to add Idris to our program," said Martelli. "He is first, and foremost, a terrific young man with an exceptional work ethic. He has the multiple skills that lead me to believe he will have a successful career here at Saint Joseph's," said Martelli.
Idris (pronounced E-driss) comes to the Hawks from The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey.
Last season Hilliard averaged 17 points and seven rebounds per game for his high school squad - all while maintaining a 3.4 grade point average.
Last season Hilliard was named to the New Jersey All-State Prep first team, in addition to being named the 2006 Player of the Year by the Princeton Packet.
Described by Rivals.com as an athletic slasher, Hilliard received numerous scholarship offers.
Saint Joseph's, Rutgers, Marquette, Depaul, Providence, Vanderbilt, Miami, George Washington, and Rice all showed interest in Hilliard's abilities.
The choice came down to Rutgers or Saint Joseph's - Hilliard went on official recruitin.
According to Hillard, both Saint Joseph's University and Rutgers offered unique opportunities and provileges in the basketball program.
During the summer months Hilliard played with New Jersey's Elite AAU team. Hilliard is happy with the offers and takes note how nice to feels to be wanted.
Rivals.com ranks Idris as the 145th best high school player in the recruiting class of 2007.
Hilliard is noted for his proficient ball handling and strength, while his mid-range and outside shooting are the areas he is working hardest to develop.
Hilliard will likely learn from fellow Hawk forward Rob Ferguson next season, eventually stepping into his role when Ferguson graduates in 2008.
Ultimately, it is the recruiting of Phil Martelli and his staff that attract such high caliber players to a school as small as Saint Joseph's.
Hilliard notices that Martelli has been in attendance at most of his high school games. So why did he decide to bring his talents to Hawk Hill instead of Rutgers?
Hilliard is appreciative of what he experienced the last three years in his highschool career and the loyalty of Hawk Hill.
Martelli starts two freshmen on his team this season.
Two more play 20+ minutes per game coming off the bench. And these kids are not struggling to learn Martelli's system - they are busy electrifying crowds.
Yet, Martelli cannot rest.
Recruiting for next season is underway, and the Hawks have just signed their newest addition - Idris Hilliard.
A 6'7" forward weighing 205 pounds, Hilliard recently signed his national letter of intent to play at Saint Joseph's beginning in the fall of 2007.
"We are delighted to add Idris to our program," said Martelli. "He is first, and foremost, a terrific young man with an exceptional work ethic. He has the multiple skills that lead me to believe he will have a successful career here at Saint Joseph's," said Martelli.
Idris (pronounced E-driss) comes to the Hawks from The Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey.
Last season Hilliard averaged 17 points and seven rebounds per game for his high school squad - all while maintaining a 3.4 grade point average.
Last season Hilliard was named to the New Jersey All-State Prep first team, in addition to being named the 2006 Player of the Year by the Princeton Packet.
Described by Rivals.com as an athletic slasher, Hilliard received numerous scholarship offers.
Saint Joseph's, Rutgers, Marquette, Depaul, Providence, Vanderbilt, Miami, George Washington, and Rice all showed interest in Hilliard's abilities.
The choice came down to Rutgers or Saint Joseph's - Hilliard went on official recruitin.
According to Hillard, both Saint Joseph's University and Rutgers offered unique opportunities and provileges in the basketball program.
During the summer months Hilliard played with New Jersey's Elite AAU team. Hilliard is happy with the offers and takes note how nice to feels to be wanted.
Rivals.com ranks Idris as the 145th best high school player in the recruiting class of 2007.
Hilliard is noted for his proficient ball handling and strength, while his mid-range and outside shooting are the areas he is working hardest to develop.
Hilliard will likely learn from fellow Hawk forward Rob Ferguson next season, eventually stepping into his role when Ferguson graduates in 2008.
Ultimately, it is the recruiting of Phil Martelli and his staff that attract such high caliber players to a school as small as Saint Joseph's.
Hilliard notices that Martelli has been in attendance at most of his high school games. So why did he decide to bring his talents to Hawk Hill instead of Rutgers?
Hilliard is appreciative of what he experienced the last three years in his highschool career and the loyalty of Hawk Hill.
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