Former Somerville High School boys' basketball star Franklin Salvador has already made an impression at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine, earning rookie of the week honors.

By Mike Rubin

Not long ago, Franklin Salvador emerged as one of the elite perimeter shooters in the history of Somerville High boys basketball.

Now as Salvador takes his game to the next level, Salvador continues to light up the net for the Thomas College Terriers in Waterville, Maine.

Despite the team’s 0-2 mark, Salvador was named as the school’s rookie of the week. In a loss to UMass-Dartmouth, Salvador registered a game high 28 points. He also scored 17 points in a tough defeat to Baruch College. In the loss, Salvador added five rebounds and four steals.

For his efforts he won the league’s rookie of the week honors.

“It feels good to earn rookie of the week,” said Salvador. “It’s not something you plan on doing because there are so many college freshmen basketball players in the state of Maine, and it’s just an honor to know that I received it.”

For Salvador, the transition from the high school to the college game has been easier than expected. Listed at 5-9, Salvador is primarily inserted in the shooting guard role.

“It’s a difference going from high school to college basketball, especially with the size ad the position I play at,” said Salvador. “Transitioning to college basketball is tough because you’re going into a situation where the players are just as good and even better.”

Even as Salvador battled it out among fellow teammates for starting roles, he managed to earn his keep within the season’s first few days.

“The pace of the game is so much quicker,” said Salvador. “The guys play a lot quicker off the ball and their defense is much tougher to penetrate through. It’s harder to score, because of the strength and size of the players. It’s something that as a player, that I have to adjust and be accustomed to.”

Still, Salvador is developing as one of the best Division 3 shooting guards in New England.

“The level of competition is so much tougher and the players are making me work harder because I’m a freshman. The coaches have done a great job pushing me to take my game to the next level. I’m a starter, and as a freshman I get nervous sometimes playing with the upper classmen, but it’s definitely a challenge that I’ll overcome within due time.”

While Salvador is still adjusting to college life, he intends to thrive in the environment and turn in a fine season on the basketball court.

“It’s tough to adjust, but it’s getting better as we’re going along in the season,” said Salvador. “It balances out good because I have classes early, which work out well with the basketball schedule. Most of the upperclassmen serve as mentors for me, and that’s been a huge help for me. The people are very nice to me at the campus, and although it’s quite different than home, it gives me another environment to thrive in.”