PC Recruit Ryan Mela Should Not Be Overlooked - Kevin Stacom

PC Recruit Ryan Mela Should Not Be Overlooked - Kevin Stacom

In previous reports, we were able to analyze the success of Kim English and his staff in securing four quality additions through the Transfer Portal and in the acquisition of an intriguing junior college transfer, Anton Bonke.

               

This report is about the successful recruitment towards the end of last year of Ryan Mela, a 6’6” 205lb wing who played his last two seasons at The Newman School in Boston after transferring from his hometown Natick High School. 

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                  (As a side note, Natick HS is also where Doug Flutie attended before he launched his Boston College and NFL careers)

             

As previously mentioned, in my career as an NBA scout, film is useful as a complementary source, not a primary one. It does have merit in trying to get a feel for a player’s tendencies and overall skill level. In the case of Ryan Mela’s evaluation, it was very helpful to have input from PC lead assistant coach Dennis Felton, who recruited Ryan, and his coach at Newman High School, Jackson Johnson.

           

Ryan Mela’s senior year stats at Newman HS:

31 games; 18.2 points/game; 8.3 rebs; 5.3 assists; 51% FG’s; 35% 3’s; 66% FT’s; 3.1 steals/game.

             

In discussing the general topic of recruiting and scouting players with Felton, we agreed that sometimes there are those relatively rare talents that just jump out of you and justifiably grab your attention due to a great combination of high athletic ability and skill. Across the spectrum from that point towards where most of us mortals reside is that portion of the talent landscape inhabited by players that require some time to absorb all the components of their game to figure out at what level they might best fit and what is their potential upside.  

             

It appears that Mela is a player who demands a bit of time to fully appreciate what he can bring to the Big East and Providence College level of basketball. Felton told me he first observed Mela when he went to see a talented teammate of his. He began to notice Mela, who, over time, began to make an impression on the experienced coach. 

             

Felton relayed to me, and watching film reinforced the idea, that Mela is really deceptive off the dribble in getting into the lane, getting by his man, where he can either make a play or finish strong through contact. He displayed simple, effective hesitation moves- he looked very comfortable using either hand in a series of up and under baseline drives and clever spin moves extending to the basket. 

               

Felton emphasized, and I was able to witness on tape, that he is also a very good passer, which his stat of 5.3 assists per game attests to and is even more impressive when you consider his assist-to-turnover ratio for a player his size (6’6” 205) - 163 assists to 72 turnovers, better than 2 to 1 ratio usually attained by smaller guards.

             

In the stated game plan of spreading the floor and aggressively emphasizing the 3-point shot, having players that can break down a defender and create opportunities for other shooters by drawing the defense’s attention, it is crucial not only to have guys that can make shots, but also guys that know how to play. Mela seems capable of being a good decision-maker in that scheme and style of play.

                 

Another positive aspect of his game that jumps out at you is his impressive just over 3 steals a game. This is another indicator that a player has very good instincts and a feel for the game. When you combine that defensive anticipation with his other stat of 8.3 rebounds a game (nose for the ball), you now have to assume Mela has a tendency to possess a high basketball IQ - a very valuable commodity in contributing positive chemistry to a team.

               

What appears to be needed is an improvement in Mela’s shooting percentages.  Although 51% from the field is more than respectable, the 35% from 3 and 66% from the line leave room for improvement. Felton mentioned that up till now, he is more comfortable shooting off the dribble, which, for most young players at this stage, is more difficult to master than the catch-and-shoot option. His mechanics look sound, and improvement should come from proper guidance and repetition. Having a head coach whose calling card was that of being an excellent shooter should be a positive factor in his development. 

           

In my conversation with his coach at Newman HS, Jackson Johnson, he was able to convey in concise terms how he would best describe Mela’s overall game. He told me that Mela was “Deceptive, Clever, Creative.”

 

Red Auerbach always said there were two ways of getting it done in basketball - pure speed and quickness or deception. Those players who are able to employ deception typically need to possess a high degree of skill in order to be able to pull that off and in doing so, make the game enjoyable and fun to watch 

             

Mela appears to be that type of player and, at some point, should be capable of being an important contributor to this interesting team now taking shape in Kim English’s program at Providence College.