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NEW YORK — Kamall Richards is heading to the Atlantic 10.
The 6-foot-6 small forward from South Kent (Conn.) verbally pledged to Xavier at the SNY studios on Tuesday, selecting the Musketeers over St. Joe’s, Seton Hall, Providence and Penn State.
“I’ll be going to Cincinnati to play for Xavier,” Richards said. “I decided on Xavier because it’s the best fit for me. I’ll be able to come in right away, be an impact player and that’s what I need as a freshman to be able to make mistakes and not be penalized and play through my mistakes and get better. So the sophomore year I can really be a main guy for the team.”
Richards visited Xavier two weeks ago and enjoyed it.
“The coaching staff was really cool, the players, the guys are real cool,” he said. “It’s a nice campus, nice city, I liked everything about it really.”
A native of Henryville, Pa., Richards blew up on the summer circuit, playing well at the Reebok Breakout Challenge and the “Live in AC” event. He transferred to South Kent after playing at St. Benedict’s Prep and now has a year to refine his game at the Connecticut prep school.
“Kamall’s work ethic and desire to get better have put him in the position to attend one of the most successful programs in the country,” South Kent coach Kelvin Jefferson said. “Kamall has all the tools needed to play at the highest level. His combination of strength and toughness, combined with his ability to score and his hatred of losing gives him everything he needs to help Xavier continue to be a dominant force in the Atlantic 10.”
Richards is also working on bringing another teammate to Xavier.
Uncommitted point guard Shane Rector, formerly of St. Raymond’s of The Bronx, could be next. Xavier recently offered Rector, who also has interest from Providence, South Carolina, Arkansas and Arizona State.
“I’m trying to get my point guard, Shane Rector, to come out,” Richards said. “He’s a real good point guard. We could definitely use him.”