– Updates from the big recruiting weekend and other Cardinal News
The big recruiting weekend turned out great for our Cardinals. Rick Pitino and his staff signed the nations most highly unsigned prospect of 2012 in Montrezl Harrell. He is rated the No. 72 prospect in the Class of 2012 by Scout.com, No. 82 by Rivals, No. 89 by ESPN. But his play at the U-18 trials suggests Harrell might just be better than all those numbers suggest. The big man survived the difficult first cut at USA Basketball training camp from the initial group of 23 prospects by performing with what Draft Express analyst Jonathan Givony described as ”a terrific combination of length, athleticism and intensity, which allowed him to be a consistent force attacking the rim with ferocity and often finishing in highlight-reel fashion.”
We also found out this week where the scholarship given to Harrell will come from. Reserve big man Stephan Van Treese has been given his release. Van Treese, who missed all but three games last season because of a left knee injury, likely would have played sparingly next year as a backup. I really appreciate the hard work that Stephan put in as a member of the Cardinal squad but I have no problem with this situation. Sometimes you have to cut a man loose. Especially if you can upgrade in the talent level like Louisville did with this move.
We also heard from head coach Rick Pitino this week as he added to his blog. Rick updated us about summer workouts and gave us his take about the Harrell recruitment.
Summary of the blog update:
-“Montrezl Harrell – 6-8 with a 7-4 wingspan. Plays every minute like it’s his last on Earth. Just a tremendous addition to our front court. He will compete and make Chane, Gorgui and Zach better every possession. One of the aspects of great players is they influence each play in some positive way. This young man flat out plays hard. I’m extremely excited to have him in our program.” -Pitino
-Peyton Siva: Working of shooting form, strength and conditioning
-Russ Smith: Working on shooting form, and not taking as many off balanced shots, also strength and conditioning
-Kevin Ware: Working to improve shot, strength and conditioning
-Chane Behanan: Working on Jump shot/stop leaning, and breaking old habits
-Angel Nunez: Working on upper body shooting form, passing skills, and off the ball defending
-Zach Price: Working on trajectory with jumper, and low post moves
-Wayne Blackshear: Working on ball placement with jumper, driving with the ball, and staying healthy
-Tim Henderson: Working on shooting
To read Rick Pitino’s latest blog entry visit www.rickpitino.com
To read more comments and news from the big recruiting weekend check out my recruiting page.