Mike Poole was still looking for a school and Rutgers coach Mike Rice was still looking for players.
With Rutgers seemingly his only option at this late date, the 6-foot-6, 184-pound St. Benedict’s Prep wing announced late Monday that he was committing to the Scarlet Knights.
“I’m excited to be playing in the Big East, I’m excited to play for a new coach and an up-and-coming program,” Poole, a Queens, N.Y. native, told the New York Post. “It’s another step in my life. I’m ready to play college basketball and get my college education.”
Poole averaged 10.8 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.2 assists while shooting 49.7 percent this past season at St. Benedict’s, which finished 20-1 on the season under former coach Dan Hurley.
He was tied for third on the team in scoring with 6-8 forward Gilvydas Biruta, who has signed with Rutgers.
Poole visited Rutgers last week and said he had a nice talk with Rice, assistant coach Jimmy Martelli and Jimmy Carr, the director of recruiting.
“I got to speak to Coach [Rice], Coach Martelli and Coach Carr,” Poole said. “They told me they would love to have me. [Rice] needs players and I’m one of his top recruits.”
Poole said he has the ability to play multiple positions, something that should help him find time on the court at Rutgers.
“I could be a versatile player,” he said. “I can play multiple positions, from the one to the four. I can help a team whatever they need me to do.”
After meeting over the weekend with 6-3 shooting guard Austin Carroll of Brewster (N.H.) Academy to solidify his commitment, Rice now has a three-man class of Poole, Biruta and Carroll.
He hopes to add another player or two. Rutgers still needs help in the frontcourt.
“I know it’s late,” Rice said at his opening press conference.
“We are against some pretty good teams and programs, but I think we will win some battles down here at the end and probably sign three or four. We are looking to make an impact, especially on this tri-state area. We all know the talent level this area brings and Philadelphia, D.C. and Connecticut. I am excited about it. Again, when I tell a recruit that there is playing time available – there is no double-talk or double-meaning, there is playing time available.”
WROTEN LIKES KENTUCKY
Tony Wroten, the No. 2 point guard in the Class of 2011 out of Seattle (Wash.) Garfield, is now listing Kentucky as his top choice.
Three Big East schools are among his top five.
“For all yal wondering what my top 5 is. Here it is. 1UK. 2.UW 3.Uconn 4.Nova 5.Syracuse,” Wroten Tweeted.
He added: “UK is #THEE leader right now.”
In Michael Gilchrist and Marquis Teague, Kentucky already has the top two players in the Class of 2011, according to Rivals.
Wroten is the No. 9 player in the class.
MYLES DAVIS HAS LIST
Myles Davis, the No. 9 shooting guard in the Class of 2011 out of Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter’s Prep, has finally come up with a list.
The 6-foot-2 Davis told ZAGSBLOG contributor Alex Kline he is considering Georgetown, UConn, Pittsburgh, Virginia, George Mason, St. Joe’s and Villanova.
Villanova, UConn and Georgetown have yet to offer.
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(Photo courtesy Rivals.com)
ChicagoUK / May 18, 2010
Not sure if Wroten has even been offered a scholarship by UK. Cal should have a solid class for 2011.
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razor ramone / May 18, 2010
Chicago – From what I have gathered, UK has interest, but has not fully evaluated him since he recovered from his knee injury. 2011 could be the greatest class ever assembled.
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rbcat / May 19, 2010
Where is FEATHERFOG27 at? Why has he not commented? Maybe he has taken a vacation like Self has and they are taking the summer off? Or maybe he is out trying to find Cal a job in the NBA??? He better hope Cal jumps to the NBA because Self cannot compete with Cal when it comes to recruiting.
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fearthephog25 / May 19, 2010
NO SOUP FOR YOU!!!
http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20100518/SPORTS/100519875
FAIL!!! Lets start hearing how you guys are better without TJ now. UW Huskies are now a top 5 team and final four contender. Sorry all your hopes were shot down. Sleep well tonight. Oh, glad you missed me. LOL
I look forward to all the lame excuses tomorrow. I also look forward to hearing what T. Ross has to say regarding calimari’s recruiting schemes. I wwwill let you get back to your bargain basement shopping. LOL What, like 4 schollies available? Can’t wait to see what cal’s very first full recruiting class can accomplish this coming season. NO LONGER KNOWN AS MEMPHUCKY.
Sweet Dreams…
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fearthephog25 / May 19, 2010
Don’t you mean you wish cal could compete in the NCAA and actually get a team to a final 4 or a title game? LOL Wake me if he ever wins a championship and becomes a somebody. How long has the guy been trying to get a ring or a banner?
I am glad Wall ended up at Washington, now that solidifies a case for cal, LeBron, and Rose in Chicago. Being that Wall is no longer at uk, he gets his capital “W” back in his name. He is a somebody once again. The look on his face though said it all tonight. I wouldn’t want to play in DC either. Evan Turner gets rookie of the year though, wait and see. Unless Ricky Rubio comes back to the League from Spain.
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fearthephog25 / May 19, 2010
Hiding rbcat? I know it must hurt huh? Can’t wait to see all the crying on catpause later. I already know what the comments will be, maybe now all those lame uk fans will get off tj’s facebook. Was tired of seeing all their desperate cries to attend uk. What’s that? Silence….. LOL
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fearthephog25 / May 19, 2010
Tense moments? LMAO!! Holding on to that last strand of hope? 😀
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