Men’s Basketball Signs Four Players for 2008-09
Broadside Contributor Tim Blank

Every year the coaches of the Men’s basketball team look at film of high school players from all across the country to find the next generation of basketball players.  This is a particularly crucial year for the team as they are recruiting to fill the holes that will be left by seniors Folarin Cambell, Will Thomas, Jordan Carter and Darryl Monroe. All but Monroe were on the team’s 2006 Final Four squad.

The coaches have worked hard and have signed four players to national letters of intent to play at Mason starting in 2008. All these players come from far up and down the east coast.

Andre Cornelius, a 5’10” point guard from Victory Christian High School in Charlotte, NC is considered by www.rivals.com as the top recruit in the CAA. He is also ranked on www.prepstars.com as the 64th recruit in the country. Scouts have raved about his speed and agility as he averaged 20 points and five assists per game as a junior.  He was also named a National Association of Christian Athletes All-American and led his team to a number one ranking amongst Christian schools.

The other large gem of the new recruits is Kevin Foster, a 6’7” power forward from Kathleen High School in Lakeland, FL.  Earning honorable mention All-State honors with 16 points and eight rebounds per game as a junior, Foster is ranked as the top power forward prospect in the CAA.  He has shown ability to play both down low and on the perimeter and his high school coach sees NBA potential in Foster.

Another large signing for the Patriots is Michael Morrison, a 6’9” forward from Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, FL.  He earned All-State honors as a junior averaging 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 blocks per game. Men’s coach Jim Larranaga calls him, “the best shot blocker we’ve signed since George Evans.”

Rounding out this recruiting class is 6’6” forward Ryan Pearson from Christ the King High School in Middle Village, NY.  Pearson averaged 10 points and 6.5 rebounds per game as a junior.  He is described as a jack-of-all-trades player, not really specializing at one position.