Brian Flinn:
Future150 National Recruiting Analyst. Covering high school basketball nationally.
New Haven, CT (Future150) -- The Big Dance is finally here and while everyone would like to cut down the nets, there can only be one champion. That being said, there is always the chance that the next season could be better than the last. With that in mind, Future150 would like to introduce "The Next Step", a segment dedicated to breaking down each program's recruiting class as they bow out of the tournament; because theare's always next season.
Yale represented the Ivy League very well this season. The Bulldogs took down Baylor on Thursday, and after going down 23 to Duke, made it a four point game late. While they fell short, they also made a point; the Ivy League is much more than just Harvard.
The Bulldogs lose their starting front court, as Brandon Sherrod, Nick Victor, and Ivy POY Justin Sears all graduate. While losing two all-conference players hurts, the cupboard isn't bare in New Haven.
Stud point guard Mahki Mason will only be a junior, while Anthony Dallier and Sam Downey should take a step forward as seniors. The Bulldogs also have a very good recruiting class hitting campus next year.
Jordan Bruner is the best recruit to head to New Haven since Justin Sears, and has a lot of similarities with the current Bulldog. A big combo-forward with skill, Bruner will likely start from day one. Miye Oni has made the most of his prep year and now looks like a steal for the Bulldogs as well. At 6-foot-6, he is super athletic and can get to the rim on his own. Oni has also improved as a shooter, something that is key in his development. Point guard Eric Monroe has a very high IQ and makes the right play when the ball is in his hands. While he isn't overly quick, he is crafty enough to get into the lane. Monroe is also a good shoter and must be respected from beyond the arc. Finally, Austin Williams is a rugged power forward who will be ready physically from day one thanks to his 6-foot-8, 220 pound frame. Williams is a very good rebounder with decent touch around the rim, who is an ideal player to start to step into Sherrod's role.
Perhaps one of the most important things about this class is the fact that Yale was able to recruit against some bigger programs in the country. The Ivy League has begun to upgrade their talent in the league as a whole, and this class is an indication of that. As long as this group is able to contribute next season, it would seem that The Bulldogs will battle with Harvard for the top spot in the league.
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