Spallina Soars: Can Son Match Dad in PLL Draft?

Spallina Soars: Can Son Match Dad in PLL Draft?

The Premier Lacrosse League Draft is here, and this year promises to be one of the most unpredictable in recent memory. With no clear-cut number one pick, the excitement is building for the 7:00 PM Eastern start on ESPNU and the app. All eyes are on the top prospects, especially Joey Spallina, a standout from Syracuse who is expected to be a top pick.

A Star is Born, 15 Years Ago

Before we talk about where Spallina might land in the draft, let’s rewind the clock 15 years. We’re going back to the 2011 MLL All-Star freestyle competition. There, an 8-year-old Joey Spallina wowed the crowd, even making it onto SportsCenter’s Top 10 list. This was a rare moment for lacrosse, showcasing a young talent with incredible skill.

“Going back to Joey Spallina, man, 8 years old. I didn’t start playing the game till I was 12. And so that guy’s doing that skill at that level, cut to where we are today, top prospect in the draft.”

Paul Rabil, co-creator of the PLL and a legend in the sport, remembers the event well. He even recalled a moment where he jumped over a car, joking about wearing cleats on turf. But the focus quickly returned to Spallina, who was already displaying elite talent at an age when many are just starting to learn the game.

Utah Archers Hold the Key

The Utah Archers hold the first overall pick in the draft. Spallina is widely considered the most productive player available and is on the verge of becoming the highest scorer in Syracuse program history. This makes him the obvious choice for Utah, a move that many expect to be a slam dunk.

Family Ties and Draft Day Drama

However, the draft could get interesting due to family connections. Joey’s father, Joe Spallina, is the General Manager for the California Redwoods. He also happens to be the man Paul Rabil played with when Rabil was traded to New York. The Redwoods are picking later in the first round, and Rabil wouldn’t be surprised if they tried to trade up to select his son.

The numbers don’t lie about Joey Spallina’s talent. He is set to become the all-time leader in points in college lacrosse history, surpassing legends like Gary Gait, Casey Powell, and Mikey Powell. While he hasn’t won a national championship yet, his scoring ability is undeniable, leading many to question if he can lead his team to a title.

Other Top Prospects to Watch

Beyond Spallina, several other talented players are expected to hear their names called early. Mikey Weishar from Towson is a versatile two-way player who can contribute at attack, midfield, and defense. He’s known for his deceptive dodges and ability to shoot effectively on the run, a difficult skill in today’s game that often features more pick-and-roll action.

Another name to watch is Aidan McGuire. Described as the best defender in the draft, McGuire is compared to lockdown cornerbacks in the NFL or elite defenders in the NBA. What makes him stand out is his ability to dominate with a short stick. Most defenders use longer poles, but McGuire excels at shutting down the opponent’s top offensive player, proving his exceptional defensive prowess.

What’s Next?

This draft is shaping up to be a must-watch event. The biggest question remains: will Joey Spallina go number one overall? The drama surrounding his potential selection, combined with the talent of other top prospects, promises an exciting night for lacrosse fans. And don’t forget, the women’s PLL draft is also on the horizon, coming to the ESPN app tomorrow.

Source: Who will be the No. 1 pick in the PLL College Draft⁉️ PREVIEWING the top prospects 👀 | SportsCenter (YouTube)