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.
RELATED CONTENT
**Mike Poole to decide soon
**Toole, Book moves impact Rutgers staff **Rutgers getting two visitors
**Mike Rice Era begins at Rutgers **Rice offers Book Richardson **Rice video/presser transcript **Rice unearths Jersey recruiting gems **Mike Rice would be perfect fit at Rutgers (Photo courtesy Rivals.com) Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter.
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.
RELATED CONTENT
**Mike Poole to decide soon**Toole, Book moves impact Rutgers staff **Rutgers getting two visitors
**Mike Rice Era begins at Rutgers **Rice offers Book Richardson **Rice video/presser transcript **Rice unearths Jersey recruiting gems **Mike Rice would be perfect fit at Rutgers (Photo courtesy Rivals.com) Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter.
