Cleanthony Early (6’8, FR) led Sullivan Community College to a 30-5 record and a third place finish in the NJCAA D3 National Tournament.  Early was a late bloomer out of Pine Brush High School in Pine Brush, NY, which is about 2 hours north of New York City.  He turned some heads during his senior year at Pine Brush and received some national exposure late in the AAU scene. Early decided that the prep school route would be the best fit after high school, and chose Mt. Zion Academy (NC). At Mt. Zion he averaged 24 points and 11 rebounds per game and gained more exposure from many low and mid-majors. After Mt. Zion, Early made a late decision to turn down many of the D1 junior colleges and return close to home and play for Sullivan CC.

Early is extremely long and athletic and has a great feel for the game. He is very comfortable attacking the basket from the perimeter and finishing above the rim. He is an intriguing prospect due to his length and athleticism mixed with a nice handle. As a freshman, he averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 56% from the field. Early still needs to improve his stroke from beyond the three point line, but will knock it down at times.

According to head coach Kevin Devantier, Early is being recruited by Quinnipiac, Albany, Central Connecticut, Iona, Robert Morris, and Siena. Early is a sports management major with a 2.8 GPA and will be returning to Sullivan for his sophomore season. If he continues to improve and puts on some weight he could become a solid mid-major prospect.