Recruiting Report: Jatsiel Colon (2018)
It’s been challenging for 6’8” forward/center Jatsiel Colon (2018) to stay on the court since transferring to Lima Senior from Puerto Rico last summer. As LimaOhio.com reported in January, he was held out last season by the OHSAA and now the 17-year-old is being labeled as a senior, when he was originally set to graduate in 2019.
“I’m supposed to be a junior here in the United States but the OHSAA didn’t let me, so I’m a senior,” Colon said.
But he didn’t move to Ohio exclusively for basketball, saying, “I came for more opportunities, a better future, a better life.”
When he’s been given time on the court, the swift 239-pound post player has shown flashes that could open up opportunities in higher education.
“Got messages from Kent State, [Saginaw Valley State], Holy Cross … Got letters from Holy Cross, Miami of Ohio,” Colon said. He continued, “The one I most talk to is Holy Cross.”
With no campus visits under his belt, Colon isn’t sure what he’s looking for in a college experience.
He scored a 16 on the ACT and is unsure of what his GPA is currently.
While not polished in skill around the rim, Colon is a very good athlete for his size. His leaping ability and ability to finish simple post moves makes him effective in the paint. He runs the floor well and sometimes trails for a 3-pointer from the top of the key.
“My best strengths and skills, I would say the post. I also have a pretty good 3-point shot and rebounding,” Colon said.
Lima Senior has a tough home game against Elida today. Colon believes the key to their success is playing together and everyone finding their role. For him, that means setting the tone.
“I would say [my role is] being a leader because I’m one of the big three of the team,” Colon said.