Nobody has been signing more players this spring in the area than Manhattan’s Barry Rohrssen.  ”Slice” has had to overhaul the entire roster and has upgraded the talent at multiple positions the past two months.  And it was needed indeed - the Jaspers have struggled the past two seasons and the veteran players have underachieved.

This week, Rohrssen got a steal for the MAAC in 6′6 guard Torgrim Sommerfeldt from Norway.  After making his name at the Nike Hoop Summit while playing for the World Team; Sommerfeldt attracted big time talent because of his shooting ability for his size.  This kid originally committed to play for Wake Forest before deciding to give pro ball a shot overseas.  Recently he’s been recruited by numerous Big East schools in the area and has the ability to be an All Conference player someday.

So how did he slip through the cracks?  His knees.  Sommerfeldt has had 3 knee surgeries in the past 18 months and will not be 100% for another 4-5 months.  If there was a veteran, established program & coach in the area….they could sign this kid no problem.  But all three local Big East coaches are 1st year guys that needed low-risk, home run signings this off-season.  And to their credit, Rutgers, Seton Hall and St. John’s have all done that.

That being said, if this kid gets healthy and plays to his potential….he could be an extremely good player for the Jaspers and Rohrssen in the future.

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