Siena Men/Women Recruiting Roundup

Here's the final installment of the series looking at players joining MAAC programs for the coming season.

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- Rakeem Brookins, 5-10 guard, Roman Catholic H.S., Philadelphia

Brookins averaged 18,9 points and six assists per game this past season.

Brookins originally committed to attend Tulane university, but was released from his commitment there after a coaching change.

"When we heard he was available, we made him a prime target because we felt the need to bring in a point guard," Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro said. "So he fills that need. But the unique thing about him is he can also score, so I'd characterize him as a scoring point guard. He has the ability to make threes, so he adds that dimension."

- Trenity Burdine, 6-5 forward/guard, Reading (Pa.) H.S.

No senior season statistics available.

Your blogger has seen Burdine play a number of times in AAU events. He is a versatile wing player whose multiple skill set is reminiscent of former Saint Edwin Ubiles.

- Brandon Walters, 6-9 center/forward, transfer from Seton Hall

He averaged 1.9 points and 2.1 rebounds per game appearing in 28 contests during the 2008-09 season at Seton Hall.

Walters is a true big man, a 245-pounder, who is eligible for the coming season after sitting out last season due to transfer rules. He did practice with the Saints last season and showed an ability to be effective in the post as well as a nice mid-range lefty shot.

ANALYSIS: All three new players will contend for playing time, with Brookins and Burdine competing for starting roles.

WOMEN

- Ciara Stewart, 5-7 point guard, North Point H.S., Pomfert, Md.

Stewart averaged 11.4 points, 7.2 assists and 5.2 steals this past season.

Stewart is a true point guard who will add quickness and athleticism to the Saints.

- Onyx Mintah, 6-1 center/forward, Hun Schoo, Princeton, N.J.

No senior season statistics available, but she averaged 10.4 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game as a junior.

"Onyx is a very athletic and strong post player," said Siena coach Gina Castelli. "She will add much needed depth and size to our front court. She also has incredible potential to be very good as her years go on here at Siena."

- Allison Mullings, 5-9 guard, Northwest Catholic H.S., West Hartford, Conn.

No senior season statistics available, but she averaged 15 points, six rebounds and five assists per game as a junior.

"Ally is an athletic combo guard," said Castelli. "She has an excellent mid-range game, along with speed and quickness on the defensive end. She has the potential to become a go-to player in her career at Siena.

- Kanika Cummings, 5-7 guard, Masuk H.S., Monroe, Conn.

No senior season statistics available. She averaged 16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game as a junior.

"Kanika can play both the two guard and point positions," Castelli said. "She has the ability to score off the dribble as well as hit the 3-point shot. She has very good leadership qualities that could translate well into the point guard position."

- Kate Zarotney, 6-0 forward, Berlin (Conn.) H.S.

No senior season statistics available. She averaged 14.5 points, nine rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game as a junior.

"Kate is a talented and athletic forward," Castelli said. "She can play both inside and out. Her toughness and her will to compete are qualities that will make a difference in every game."

ANALYSIS: All five freshmen add quickness and athleticism to the program. Zarotney and Mullings looked the most-ready to contribute early, but all five incoming players appear capable of contributing in the not-so-distant future.