Sean Armand had a list of schools he planned on visiting after decommitting from Fordham University following its coaching change.
The Bronx school was on his list, with Memphis, Seton Hall, Central Florida, Rhode Island, and Iona. The Brooklyn native took an official visit to Iona today. It was supposed to be one of his final stops. Instead, it was his last – the former Jacqueline K. Onassis Inter Careers star verbally committed to new coach Tim Cluess today and will sign his National of Letter Intent tomorrow, he told The Post.
“I didn’t think I was gonna commit on the visit, but after speaking to Coach Cluess, I needed to go somewhere I was wanted and needed,” he said.
Jared Grasso’s presence, of course, was an added bonus for the 6-foot-3 guard, who spent a postgraduate year at Central Jersey Each One Teach One (CJEOTO) in Somerset, N.J. Grasso, now an assistant at Iona, recruited Armand to Fordham when he was the interim coach there. The two have developed a close bond as Grasso followed him from Onassis to Notre Dame Prep (Mass.) and CJETO.
“He really looks out for me,” Armand said. “He has my best interest in mind.”
Cluess’ up-tempo system fits the versatile guard, who led Onannsis to the Class B semifinals his senior year, averaging 27 points, 12 rebounds and four assists per game. He’s a slashing guard that can fill it up from the perimeter. He has a never-ending motor, CJEOTO coach Ian Turnbull said, and is determined to get better.
An hour-and-a-half-long conversation on Monday with Cluess sold Armand. The two talked about his role and how he would fit in with the experienced Gaels, who finished third in the MAAC last year.
“I was their first option,” he said. “I’m pretty sure I can get a lot of playing time and make an impact. I know I’ll be taken care of. I’ll be with guys who can help me develop.”
Armand’s only doubts was on the conference, going from the Atlantic 10 to the MAAC. Yet, he went from the PSAL’s Class B division to a Division I college program, anyway.
“Players come out of the MAAC and go to the NBA,” Armand said. “If you’re a good player, you can go anywhere and succeed.”
