Brian Davies, our resident scouting expert, talks
The Philadelphia Wings have always had a connection in drafting players from the United States Collegiate ranks into the National Lacrosse League. The time I was a scout with the organization was no different and proudly where my name could do the most within the organization.
My first draft had high hopes coming out of the American talent pool available. Unfortunately the time in between the draft and the opening of training camp was rather difficult. The league lost a team, which players were acquired through the dispersal draft, an the college players had found jobs in their respective professions. But in the span of one year and in one organization, the prospects that didn’t work out turned for the better.
The draft had a few no brainers in it: Parker McKee, Ned Crotty, and Max Quinzani. There will be a reason why I highlight Duke players. Max Quinzani held fast and didn’t play. Parker McKee was abroad for the better part of the time before camp. Ned Crotty, well unfortunately, went into the hands of the enemy.
Turn the page a year. Quinzani and McKee haven’t played in the NLL, but the hope for the ACC was in Crotty and Mike Manley. Both have worked on their games to be a part of NLL rosters since their departure from college.
Manly is a rough and tumble defenseman, working on his game within the indoor spectrum. It is not an easy transition, but there are some fellow Blue Devils on rosters to help ease the change. Manley is tough to move and can pick up loose balls inside his own half of the field.
Crotty is a crafty player. He doesn’t have the knack for scoring like his college days produced but his abilities cannot be questioned. He is an athlete of the higher level. As he plays more, he has certainly gotten better.
One was acquired through free agency and the other through the collegiate draft. I was beginning to think that no Duke player would ever make the roster. We had Danowski, McFadden, and more, but holding to the plan persevered. Any player can play the part but there is a big difference in style that equates to a longer longevity in the league.
It goes to show you how far the league has come and all the influences people have on it. Players are coming from further away from the traditional hotbeds. Contracts are being negotiated more. People are making money off a game that has only begun to hit its stride. Imagine if this pace keeps up.
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