As lacrosse continues to grow, the sources for players entering the pro indoor circuit has gotten much more expansive. American talent has developed, as you can see from Joe Walters, Joel White, Max Seibald, and others who have earned roster spots. The college game certainly has seen indoor strategy and schemes become more prevalent. For example, the last couple of seasons at Princeton and certainly with the influence of Northern talent at universities like Denver. More than ever, scouts are looking at college players instead of simply incorporating NLL players from only the ranks of Canadian Junior lacrosse.
With that being said and the dynamic playoff atmosphere that just ended on Memorial Day in Philadelphia, there are more players that are going to have the opportunity to take their talents indoor. Some players are presently gaining experience in the Junior ranks this summer, which will inevitably serve them well continuing on. Here are a few names that could have a chance at becoming mainstays on NLL rosters starting with the draft this Fall.
Rob Pannell – Cornell – Forward
After watching Pannell play this year, how can you not love his game? His knack for scoring is certainly giving him consideration for a high draft pick (354 career points). Thoughts are on a different part of his game: being able to feed in tight. Having a scorer like Mock besides him has almost given him NLL experience before he steps on the floor. Being able to take the physical abuse and being able to incorporate all his teammates leads one to believe that his game is right for the NLL if he desires to continue playing.
Jojo Marasco – Syracuse – Forward
Here is another player with tremendous vision. His value will show with his will to continue to get better. Marasco’s vision certainly was great while at Syracuse, but do the physical demands of the NLL translate into something he can handle. With that being said, the feeling is that his summer’s adventures into the indoor lacrosse world and the MLL will make or break Marasco as an NLL player. From all accounts, his will to be a better player and testaments to his work ethic will only serve to help further his career into the world of professional lacrosse.
Brian Megill – Syracuse – Defense
Maybe call this a sentimental favorite, but I like Megill’s game for the NLL. With that being said, do note that having a brother playing the same position in the NLL does have its influence. Megill is a gritty player, certainly one not to shy away from contact. His years at Syracuse will pay off with the NLL. He has the tenacity and toughness for the game, while gaining experience this summer will only help his draft stock. Depending on how his body holds up after a long season at Syracuse and the inevitable summer lacrosse games to be played, Megill should be a pick in this year’s draft.
Logan Schuss – Ohio State – Forward
Schuss has the ability to score and the toughness (44g, 27a). Thoughts are that his success will come from being able to cut across the front of the cage and finish. He did put up tremendous numbers while at Ohio State, but seeing more lock down defenders versus his point totals does make one think about his production. Knowing his background though, odds are in his favor to be a successful forward in the league.
Cameron Flint – Denver – Transition/Forward
I have heard about Flint for a while now, like it’s a secret coming out of the Toronto area. Point production probably will not be what it was while at Denver (37g, 15a), but his overall athleticism will turn heads. With his athleticism, his outdoor game style could actually translate well to the NLL. He does have the Junior experience already, so he could be settling back into a style he is more comfortable with. As a great man told me, before you can score you must be able to play out the backdoor. The feeling is that his game will need defensive fine-tuning to be a more successful transition player in the NLL.
Eric Law – Denver – Forward
I have seen Law play for four years, even while he was on the Eastern Shore in Maryland. His point totals for the year show that he has developed as a player (43g, 35a). Playing along side the contingent of Canadians that he has in Denver could mean that he has an interest in continuing in the NLL. After seeing some of the goals that he scored and the punishment for getting to the cage, I would expect that there is some interest with NLL management for giving him a shot. He did have games where he was more of a spectator, so it depends on how he develops still over the course of time before training camps open.
John Greeley – Johns Hopkins – Transition
Greeley deserves a look here because his vision is exceptional, if not the best in the class as a pure passer, and he is an absolute student of the game. Growing up in the Syracuse area, he has ties to the indoor game and being a student of which will only get him better. A transition player for sure on the horizon if someone gives him a shot. He stayed on the field a lot this past year, so the defensive needs that will be required can be there. Again, you have to be able to defend to play in the league and I think Greeley has the capability to do so. He will be able to find a niche in the league if a team brings him into camp. Greeley is athletic enough to play in the league.
Tucker Durkin – Johns Hopkins – Defense
Two-time William C. Schmeisser Award winner puts him in elite company. The transition to a new kind of lacrosse is not going to hinder anyone looking at him 6’2” 210 lbs. Has the athletic ability to cover anyone and the toughness to match. Depending on what he wants to do with the game, he could be a mainstay in the league for a long time. Reminiscent of the Mike Manley conversion to NLL player in Philadelphia, maybe the Wings want to try it again with a hometown boy like Durkin? A lot of players will think twice about getting into the corners with Durkin, as he will win a lot of those battles (32 gb).
Zach Palmer – Johns Hopkins – Forward
Being undersized shouldn’t hinder Palmer’s entrance into the NLL. Reminiscent of Stephen Keough coming out of Syracuse, but Palmer has more of a well-rounded game. After an up and down senior season at Homewood, a return to the Junior game and an eventual NLL training camp could be just what the doctor ordered. Certainly has the vision to find players, thank you Brandon Benn, but his toughness is unquestioned. Just watch highlights of his battles with Virginia defensemen for four years. He is a tough player with the ability to feed and score. Having the experience in the Junior ranks should translate quickly into the NLL game.
Jason Noble – Cornell – Defense/Transition
The most overlooked unit the past college lacrosse season was the Cornell defense. Noble was the anchor of the unit and he should have a home in the NLL for a long time. A Hill Academy alumnus, he already has learned from some of the best and has the Junior experience to match with Orangeville. He has covered some of the best in the college ranks with great success and that will only translate further into the NLL needs. I think his greatest attribute is his determination. He is efficient and called upon to do a lot. Given what I know about the Big Red program is that the better players need to be leaders. Surely his leadership will translate to the NLL. Transition would be my guess for his home in the NLL as he is undersized, but he will certainly be on a roster.
Jesse Bernherdt – Maryland – Defense/Transition
Maybe one of my favorite American to the indoor game stories to follow the next few months. Maryland defenders have the edge to be players in the league. Bernhardt certainly has the defensive knowledge to play down low, but I favor him as a transition player. Always think that you need to let you athletes run and Bernhardt can move. Has covered the best from the midfield for years and had a run with Pannell in this year’s NCAA tournament. Given that typical Maryland toughness, his athletic ability (which anyone who has seen him play can attest to), and ability to work in transition (8g, 3a), allows one to think he will have a solid future in the NLL.
Jake Tripucka – Duke – Transition
Having four consecutive trips to the final four and two national championships on your resume should raise some heads. The athletic ability is there to get into a camp. Given the nature of the Duke way to play the game, Tripucka could be a great transition player in the league. He stayed on the field to play defense, so the testament to his defensive knowledge is likely there. An athlete for sure, he could cause a race downfield and start transition for any team he plays for. His stats certainly tell you that he can play offense as well (23g, 25a). A likely developmental project for whichever team adds him to their line up.
David Lawson – Duke – Transition
Another of Duke’s class of midfield that set them apart in their run to the title again this year. He has a cannon and not afraid to shoot (36g), so he can stretch defenses. Lawson has the vision to play, the will to win, and the athletic ability to play in transition or even a forward. Transition is likely his home if he chooses to pursue the NLL due to Duke’s style and his athleticism. A developmental prospect, but should be in a training camp this fall.
Reid Acton – Loyola – Defense
I think this is the next line of great players in the NLL. Reminds me of Brodie Merrill coming out of Georgetown. Has experience already in the Junior ranks with Akwesasne. The Toronto native will likely be inheriting the throne when Merrill calls it a career. Rangy at 6’3’, Acton has covered great players while in college and started for a Loyola squad that took home a national championship. His transition back to the indoor game should be seamless and a summer playing again in the Junior ranks will only help him be a top tier pick in the league.
