Monmouth picked up one of the top players in New York City on Thursday when Ray Salnave, a 6-foot-2 guard out of perennial New York City public-school power Cardozo High School, committed to the school.
Salnave, who led Cardozo to the SNY Invitational championship and was named the tournament MVP in January, was previously involved with Iona, Seton Hall and Rutgers, but Monmouth has appeared to be the heavy favorite for some time now.
“Coach [King] Rice, I could feel myself playing under him,” Salnave told Josh Newman of the Asbury Park Press. “Every time he spoke, I learned something new about him. They gained my trust more and more every time I talked to them. It’s a family thing, and I’m just happy and excited. I can’t wait until next season.”
Salnave cited his relationship with Monmouth assistant Duane Woodward, nicknamed “40,” for his commitment. Woodward played for Cardozo coach Ron Naclerio in the 1990s.
” ’40’ texts me every day, every day,” Salnave said. “Every morning when I wake up, he’s the first guy I see in my messages. He just makes sure I’m focused. They check on me every day, and I felt the love. Every time we spoke, they let me know how it is, what it’s gonna be and all that.
“I’m happy because that’s what I wanted to hear. That’s what I needed to hear.”
KONATE TO WEST VIRGINIA
Sagaba Konate, a 6-foot-8, 240-pound power forward from Kennedy Catholic (PA), committed to West Virginia.
Pittsburgh, Purdue, Minnesota and Wichita State were also involved.
“Sagaba is very honored and humbled by all the interest by all the schools, he was very fortunate to have great choices,” his guardian, Jeff Kollar, told SNY.tv. :Sagaba feels very comfortable at WVU, loves Coach [Bob] Huggins and Coach [Larry] Harrison. He feels they can help him get to the next level. I think the offensive and defensive schemes Coach Huggins uses fits Sagaba’s game. Sags will bring a lot of athleticism to WVU, rebounding, shot blocking and every now and then some monster dunks. I believe he has the potential to be one the great ones out of WVU and we are very excited for him.”
