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Inside the Recruitment: '15 RHP Matt Ianni commits to Northern Kentucky University

January 20, 2015

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Matt IanniBy Chris Kemlo
PBR Ontario Director of Scouting

Name: Matt Ianni
Position: RHP
Team: Ottawa Nepean Canadians
Height/Weight: 6-foot-8, 230 pounds
Ranking: 8th in Ontario's 2015 class and 280th overall
Commitment: Northern Kentucky University

Background: Ianni is a big strong righty with the chance to be a front-end starter at the University of Northern Kentucky. Ianni will look to impress with his club team Ottawa Nepean Canadians during PBLO league play. He will then look forward to  having the opportunity to represent Canada and be a contributor at the 18u World Cup in Japan. With his frame and size at 6-foot-8, 230-pounds, Ianni has received some pro interest, and is very projectable with a high ceiling. He has shown that he can pitch with velocity, as he’s been up to 91 mph with his fastball, as well spin a breaking ball with good shape and action to it. Either way, Ianni is happy, relieved, and ready to go out and let his pitching be the topic of subject now that he is Northern Kentucky bound.

PBR: Why did you choose Northern Kentucky University?

Ianni: NKU had what we were looking for which was good academics, good coaches, a good conference, a good offer, and an area where my parents and I felt comfortable with me spending the next few years living.

PBR: What other schools were you considering?

Ianni: Ball State, Liberty, Northeastern, and St.Louis were all close, but after speaking to Coach Asalon and his coaches, I felt very comfortable in committing to NKU. I also had plenty of interest from some top schools, but the offers available and the large amount of players they were recruiting were not what I was looking for.

PBR: Where did Coach Asalon first see you? How did your relationship develop with him?

Ianni: I believe at the Canada Summer games and he reached out through email after speaking to Adam Arnold about me.

PBR: Do you feel relieved now that the process is over and you can just focus on baseball and not deal with everything that goes into picking a school?

Ianni: Yes!! My parents and I have been to about 10 schools and received several different offers, so I think they are as happy as I am.

PBR: Was there one deciding factor that put NKU over the top?

Ianni: After visiting with Todd and Dizzy, I felt at home, and I like the A-SUN conference and where they are going with the program. I feel I can jump in and contribute.

PBR: Who has helped you the most to get to where you are today?

Ianni: My father has guided me along the way since little league, my mother is always there when I need her and my brother Joey is always training with me to get better. I have also had many helpful coaches along the way.

PBR: What were your expectations about the recruiting process? Was it easy/difficult?

Ianni: It was very exciting at first, but after you learn more about the process, and are receiving so much different advice, it can become a bit overwhelming.

PBR: What team do you play for in the summer and how has that helped you prepare for the next level?

Ianni: I play for Tanner Watson and the Ottawa Nepean Canadians in the PBLO, he was a professional pitcher and is very helpful along with the rest of the organization. I believe the competition we have faced over the years belonging to PBLO has helped prepare me for the next level.

PBR: What plans does the coaching staff have in store for you in your freshman season?

Ianni: To jump in and contribute in the rotation year one.

PBR: What is your most memorable baseball moment to date?

Ianni: Definitely when Greg Hamilton asked me to join Team Canada at 15 during Tournament 12, which was the day after I received my first scholarship offer...that was a good weekend.

PBR: Who is the toughest hitter that you have faced in Ontario?  

Ianni: Josh Naylor is always tough.

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