Dartmouth Finally Lands Their Prize

April 30th, 2008
NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com

What has been rumored for more than a month became official earlier this week as Jabari Trotter committed to attend Dartmouth College.

Jabari Trotter was one of the hottest players in NEPSAC basketball during the second half of the season.  The scoring guard was consistently lighting up competition in class A as he totaled 26 points against Brewster, 27 against NMH, another 28 against NMH, 27 against New Hampton, and 27 against Worcester Academy.  He continued his outstanding play in the first round of the NEPSAC tournament when he almost single handedly knocked off Devin Ebanks and St. Thomas More.  Ultimately, he finished the season as the team’s leading scorer (17 points per game) and was also one of the main reasons why the team won a school record 17 games. 

What made Trotter so dangerous was that he could beat the defense in any number of ways.  He shot the three very well on the season, and even knocked down seven long balls in a single game.  But he also scored on the bounce as he showed his smoothness attacking the rim in the open floor and pulling up for short jumpers.     

It took some time, but college coaches finally began to realize what a special player Trotter was, and most importantly that he was still available.  While many schools tried to make a run late, it was Dartmouth who got there first, and ultimately landed the prize. 

Trotter becomes the fourth local product to commit to the Big Green this year joining David Rufful, Josh Riddle, and Kirk Crecco.  The backcourt duo of Rufful and Trotter should provide Head Coach Terry Dunn with a nucleus to build around for the next four years.  With Trotter’s ability to score the basketball from either of the guard positions and Rufful’s ability to shoot the three ball from either wing spot, the duo is both talented and versatile.  The fact that they could line up at any 2 of the 3 perimeter positions, should give Dunn and his staff plenty of flexibility to adjust to various match-ups and styles of play. 

Trotter is the second guard to head to Dartmouth out of Exeter in the last two years, joining Ronnie Dixon. 

To see some of Jabari Trotter's highlights, care of nextplay.com, check out the game of the week section on our home page.