Head FAU Men’s Basketball Coach Michael Curry continues to build on the future, while landing size as well. Earlier in the week, he secured verbal commitments from 6-8, 215 lb forward Jessie Hill from Point Pleasant Beach, NJ, and 6-9, 235 lb forward Conner Shorten out of St. Benedict’s Preparatory School in Gladstone, NJ. Hill posted averages of 10.9 ppg and 4.8 rpg at Jackson Memorial High School, adding just under two blocks per outing. He’s transferring to Point Pleasant, where he will play this season. “I chose FAU because I loved the coaching staff and there is a family environment”, said Hill. “Coach Snow was the first to see me, but on my visit I talked to Coach Curry and Coach Gibbons a lot, so it was a group effort.” Hill can step away from the basket at times, and evidenced by the 17 three’s made during his sophomore year. But if you ask him, he feels his best factor is being multifaceted. “My versatility” remarked Hill about his strength as a player. “I can play outside, and score in the post.” Fellow Garden State resident Conner Shorten will join Hill as a member of the 2015 class. Shorten has bulked up a bit over the last two years, putting on 15 pounds, and will see time at the power forward position for FAU. He’s also moved around and will suit up for St. Benedict’s this year after transferring from Gill St. Bernard. Shorten was recovering from a broken leg last season, but posted 10 points and seven rebounds per game in his sophomore season at Bernard. Curry and his staff left a lasting impression on him as well, playing a key part in his decision. “I chose FAU because of the coaching staff, and the opportunity to play and contribute right away”, Shorten commented. “Overall, FAU just really felt like a place I wanted to spend my next four years.” Shorten has good speed for a big, and displays some solid handles for his size, as shown at :45 in the below highlight video: Shorten entered high school at 5-11, has since grown 10″ inches over the last three years, and could still see another inch or two before it’s all said and done. This obviously would help in the area of above the rim play – his self proclaimed highlight trait. “The best part of my game is probably dunking”, he said laughing.
