Coaches Talking About Latest Recruits

NewEnglandRecruitingReport.com | Tuesday, June 3rd, 2008

West Virginia Head Coach Bob Huggins on Devin Ebanks

"Devin gives us a very versatile scorer who can score in multiple ways," says Huggins. "At 6-foot-9, he's an outstanding perimeter shooter with size and mobility…He had a great visit to our campus last month," says Huggins. "One of the many things that pushed us over the top were his visits with our president and athletic director. Devin was impressed to spend a half hour with the president and athletic director, and had the feeling that everyone here is onboard to win a national championship…On his visit, he fit in terrific with our team," says Huggins. "Our guys like him and look forward to playing with him. I think these four players give us an outstanding recruiting class. We have four guys who will be outstanding BIG EAST players and who will keep us in the national picture."

Check out the New England Recruiting Report homepage to see a new highlight video of Devin Ebanks created and produced by www.nextplay.com

Mississippi State Head Coach Rick Stansbury on Twany Beckham

“We’re excited to have Twany join our basketball program,” Stansbury noted.  “He’s a terrific, young man from a quality family, in addition to having an excellent basketball background at both the prep school and high school levels.”

Long Beach State Head Coach Dan Monson on Larry Anderson and T.J. Robinson

"We feel these two really add athleticism and qualities to our basketball program that we were lacking this year," said Monson. "With our elimination of junior college recruiting this year, we are excited to be able to add a couple of freshmen who gained valuable experience in the prep school ranks. We expect both to contribute immediately for us."

"Larry is a multi-dimensional wing who adds athleticism, experience and versatility to us," said Monson. "Larry can play multiple positions and has been well-coached at both Jordan and Winchendon. He has the ability to be a lock down defender for us. We are really excited to add another local product to our family. Larry brings a winning personality to our program. "

"TJ brings us a front court athlete that can score and rebound," said Monson. "He has a very good mid-range game, and can attack the basket on the bounce. TJ will also bring us versatility and can play both forward positions. He also brings a contagious winning attitude to our program."

Fordham University Head Coach Dereck Whittenburg on Trey Blue

"Trey is a wonderful addition to our program," said Whittenburg. "He will definitely help fill the scoring void left by our five graduating seniors. He is a really good defender and an excellent shooter. We're very happy to have him joining us at Fordham."

Duquesne University Head Coach Ron Everheart on B.J. Monteiro and Melquan Bolding

"B.J. is a great player with an outstanding work ethic," said Everhart. "He's the kind of player you can build around. One of the things that sets B.J. apart is the fact that he takes such great pride in doing what he can to make whatever team he is on successful - and that was evident this season with Crosby's state championship. Above all, B.J. is a great kid. He's one of the finest young men I've had the chance to meet."

"I'm extremely proud and excited to have Melquan as part of our program," said Everhart. "Obviously he's a very high-profile player who is very highly regarded. He an athletic, high-energy guy who is a great scorer. He's a perfect fit for our style of play. Plus, he's a really good kid who has great family support. I'm really looking forward to having the opportunity to coach him."

New Mexico State Head Coach Marvin Menzies on Johnny Higgins

“Johnny Higgins is a player that we’re very excited to welcome into the Aggie family.  He is a very strong, athletic, combo guard, who will be able to help us immediately.  We’re very excited about his enthusiasm to be here with us.” 

South Florida Head Coach Stan Heath on Gaby Belardo

“I’m excited to add two quality players to our roster this late in recruiting,” said Heath. “Gaby has really come on during the spring AAU season. His ability to play either guard position, as well as shoot, handle the ball, and make decisions will be an asset to our basketball team on the perimeter.”

Long Island University Head Coach Jim Ferry on Mike Culpo

“Mike is a throw-back guard that can handle the ball, pass and shoot,” said Ferry. “He should be able to come in and help take some pressure off our other guards.”

Bryant University Head Coach Max Good on Romeric Lasme and Sam Leclerc

"Lasme is an terrific shot blocker and should provide us with an immediate presence inside," added Good. "He was recruited by several high major programs and is listed among the top-30 power forwards in the nation by ESPN High School Basketball."

"Sam is a throw-back point guard, a general on the floor who passes very well and is a proficient scorer," said coach Good.  "He was the No. 1 ranked high school player in Maine this season.  He does everything it takes to win, including taking charges, getting on the floor after loose balls and setting up teammates. He's a winner."

Portland University Head Coach Eric Reveno on John Hegarty

“John is an excellent fit for both the University and our basketball program,” Reveno said. “He already has a natural feel and understanding of the game that many big men never develop. We are confident that with the proper conditioning and development, John could become an impact player in the West Coast Conference.”

Dartmouth Head Coach Terry Dunn on Kirk Crecco, Herve Kouna Metsam, & Jabari Trotter

“Kirk is a combo guard that can play either spot and has a great basketball sense. He can score the ball and shoot the ball and I think it is going to be tough to keep him off the floor in years to come. He needs to work on his strength and defensive ability.”

“Herve plays with a lot of spirit and aggressiveness. He plays and works hard out on the floor. He already has a college body and that will make him very competitive right off the bat during practice and receive playing time.”

“Jabari reminds me of a guard like Baron Davis. He is the kind of point guard that can score points, but can also dish out eight or nine assists and make others around him better players and competitors. He can really defend his position and has the ability to get to the rim. What will determine his success is how well he adjusts to the college game, both the physical nature and the tempo of the game.”