Rhode Island on Sunday landed a verbal pledge from Leroy Butts, the 6-foot-8, 200-pound 2015 power forward who recently decommitted from Rutgers.
“The program’s academics really caught me and my parents’ attention,” Butts said. “The basketball program fits me very well in the system coming from stretch forward to combo forward. I established a great relationship with the players and coach Dan Hurley, along with the rest of the coaching staff.
Rhody assistant David Cox was the associate head coach at Rutgers.
“His relationship with coach Dave Cox played a big part,” DC Premier director Damon Handon told SNY.tv. “He’s a skilled athletic combo forward. He brings toughness and a winning mentality.”
The Washington, D.C., native will transfer to Elev8 Academy in Delray Beach, Fla., for his senior season.
Butts is head coach Hurley’s first 2015 commit.
Butts in November picked Rutgers over Miami, Cincinnati and DePaul, saying “It’s a great fit for me.”
Cincinnati, DePaul, Virginia Tech, Xavier and Towson were also interested this time around.
