In a sheer shooting clinic, Scotland Campus’ 6-foot-5 3-point ace Austin Galuppo turned in a game-best 31 points to propel the Knights to a resounding 90-72 win over Our Savior Lutheran (NY) during the final game of the PSA Showcase.
The event featured a cadre of Division-I talent, with NCAA coaches from across the country meandering throughout the stands.
Whether it was in transition, spotting up from the deep corner, or pulling from way beyond the arc, Galuppo’s elite level sniping was the potent advantage lifting the Knights.
The trigger-happy, California-bred guard is averaging a staggering 34.0 points in the last two games.
On Sunday, he exemplified the type of long range shooting capable of dictating the offensive flow and pioneering game-altering spurts. Galuppo accounted for over 33 percent of Scotland’s offensive output, capitalizing on a spaced out floor and open looks. He finished with seven 3-point field goals.
Bryant College, with assistant coach Chris Cole on hand for the game, appears to be upping the ante for the Class of 2019 off guard.
Galuppo also has an offer from Southern Utah while entertaining scattered interest all across the mid major level.
Inserted off the bench, Galuppo piled up 17 first half points as Scotland seized a 43-34 halftime lead.
Galuppo’s ability to pile up points in a hurry is one of the finer points of his quick-strike shooting and intergalactic range. He was active in hunting for his shot and getting shots off at the opportune times, firing up until the final buzzer.
“Austin brings that instant scoring to us and he has expanded his game with being better off the dribble and bringing defensive toughness also,” said Scotland Campus head coach Chris Chaney, whose team improves to 12-0 with a no.3 national ranking on the young season.
“I’ve been fortunate to have coached some of the best shooters to ever play and he can definitely fill it up and will get even better once he does a even a better job of locating the open shot and using the shot fake to his advantage. But I have a hard time believing there is a better shooter still available at this point.”
Part of Galuppo’s post graduate evolution entails shedding the brand label of “shooter.” Though he’s purely a knock down man by trade, the grind of the prep experience has enabled him to gain strength and improve on all facets of his game.
With the fluid ball movement becoming prevalent in Scotland’s last few games, Galuppo has jumped at the opportunity to get his feet set, launch and fire.
The rapport he’s developed with Weber State-bound guard Judah Jordan (12 points against OSL) has also helped accelerate his production rate. Improving his defensive attentiveness and also becoming more adept with his mid-range game have been essential components of his day to day growth.
“Here, we want him to be an all around player,” said Chaney, who has long preached sturdy defensive pressure with an iron fist. “He is getting better at that on a daily basis.”
Our Savior Lutheran was without electrifying 5-foot-10 Class of 2020 guard Posh Alexander. They closed the deficit to within six in the second half behind Seton Hall-commit DaShawn Davis.
The bullish 6-foot-3 guard was able to set the tone defensively, finish, and playmake with his all three levels scoring acumen.
The New York-based program has quite the promising youth movement with fearless freshman Jaquan Sanders. An off guard, Sanders sparked OSL with his shooting following an early 11-2 hole.
Layered depth played a pivotal role for Scotland, which beyond Galuppo got a spark from 6-foot-4 Oak Hill transfer Akrum Ahemed and burly 6-foot-6 forward Jordan Jones.
Galuppo wound up taking home PSA Showcase MVP honors.
“I credit it mostly to my team,” said Galuppo of catching the hot hand at the opportune time. “We came out hot, especially in that first. We got a couple of quick buckets. I just tried to contribute more off the bench. My point guard Judah, he’s always finding me. Once I make one, there’s a whole bunch more coming. That’s my mentality.”
Galuppo said he would arrive at his decision most likely after January.
“We play like 25+ games in January against high level competition. I want a chance to be put out there more. If nothing else comes, I’ll just decide between (Bryant and Southern Utah).”
