Well, with Dezmine Wells' shocking dismissal from Xavier, Coach Mack wasted no time in filling his roster spot. With word leaking all over the place today regarding what was going on with Wells, Cantino's commitment has gotten second billing in Xavier news.
Cantino is a 6'7" forward who averaged 12.0/8.9/1.0 on .454/.071/.609 shooting last year at Palm Beach State (CC) last season. As a JuCo transfer, Cantino will be eligible to play immediately for Xavier. Cantino was lightly recruited out of high school, but had been linked with Rhode Island and Iona (where he was briefly committed without his mother's blessing) before sliding in somewhat under the radar to land at X.
There is little to no current video out there on him, but Slam Online reports that:
Cantino is very physical and always seems to end up around the ball. He has a good frame and can extend opposing teams defensively with his ability to shoot the ball beyond 17 feet. He pounds the glass on both ends and is able to face up and score in the post. Look for his stock to rise consistently throughout the season.
Cantino is similar in size to a handful of Xavier's other forwards - and about two inches taller than Wells - but apparently has a great motor on the glass at both ends. Hopefully things work out for the young man in his two years with the Muskies.
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