Long Island University and Coach Jim Ferry haven't been shy about going the unconventional route to find talent. The Brooklyn-based program has had a lot of success recruiting the state of Texas, in addition to the local talent represented on their roster. Recently, Ferry and his staff went North of the border for what looks like a quality late find for this upcoming season.
Tyrone Mattison, a 5-foot-11 point guard from Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, recently signed with the Northeast Conference program, according to Mattison's high school coach, Roy Rana. A late qualifier, Mattison met the NCAA Division I standards for play in July. He'll suit up for Ferry this winter.
"Richmond, Eastern Kentucky, and Eastern Michigan all had varying degrees of interest," said Rana.
A strong-bodied penetrator, Mattison impressed us with his ability to get to the rim and his court presence playing with the Toronto Mission AAU team at The Main Event in Las Vegas in July. Tyrone helped Toronto Mission to the final eight of the tournament, before falling to Spencer Hawes' Friends of Hoop Seattle team.
According to Rana, Mattison possesses a certain fearlessness that sets him apart. "Obviously he's a great athlete, but he's fearless," said Rana. "He's tough and he's fearless. He's very, very aggressive. He loves to attack the hole."
A former football player, Mattison relishes physical play and contact. "He's strong enough that if you're in his way, he can go right over you," said Rana. "But he's quick and athletic enough to get by you."
Perhaps most impressively, Mattison's teams have won at every level. He owns the unique distinction of playing on four Ontario Provincial Championship teams at Eastern Commerce. "He's the only player in Ontario history to be on four consecutive provincial championship teams," said Rana. "He's a winner. He's probably the winningest player in Ontario history."