Thomas "Mack" Darrow, a versatile 6'8" senior from Barrington High School in the Chicago suburbs, has committed to Princeton. Darrow is the third publicly-announced member of coach Sydney Johnson's second recruiting class, joining Gus Gabel and Jimmy Sherburne.
I had a chance to speak with Darrow's high school coach Marty Dello last night and Dello's impressions of the newest Tiger, plus links about Darrow, can all be found after the jump.
Dello described Darrow as "a legit 6'8" and solid" who is "mostly used as a four man" in the Broncos' system. Averaging 12 ppg, 8.3 rpg and 2.6 assists as a junior, Darrow was named All-MLS and landed on the Schaumberg Review's Great Northwest Team following the season.
The Barrington big man has developed a keen outside shot to go with his inside game on the low block, causing Dello to remark that "I am probably the most crucified coach in Illinois because I play Mack on the perimeter."
Dello continued to say that he uses Darrow "as kind of a point-forward like Scottie Pippen," bringing the ball up the floor against pressure.
Playing at the same school that produced recent NCAA notables Jason Richards (senior point guard on last year's fantastic Davidson team) and Bucky Cox of 2008 MVC champions Drake, Darrow will "probably break every rebounding record [at Barrington] by the end of the year," according to his coach. "He has a nose for the ball...his biggest weakness is that he's too hard on himself. For me it is a curse because he's worked so hard at his game and his talent level is so high, I don't want him to be down on himself."
Before Coach Robinson departed for Oregon State, Brown was highly interested in Darrow's services. "He could average 28 points and 12 rebounds, but he won't because he's so unselfish" said Dello. "His work ethic sets him apart."
"He's a 6'8" kid who can really, really shoot the three with good range," Dello added.
"I've been doing this a long time and I don't think there's a better fit for him or a better fit for Princeton."
Darrow was ranked 22nd on the Joy Of The Game list of Class of 2009 players in Chicago's "North To Northwest Suburbs." HS Basketball Info sees Darrow as the 63rd best prospect in Illinois, while Core 1 Training places Darrow 48th the state.
A profile on Darrow from the Barrington Courier-Review can be viewed here.
