Compiled by Paul Gotham
Counting down to tipoff and previewing the incoming players of the Atlantic 10 with a look at the first-year players of the Virginia Commonwealth Rams.
The Rams went 26-9 (12-4 A-10) and fell to Stephen F. Austin in the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Shaka Smart and his staff welcome four freshmen to campus: Terry Larrier, Justin Tillman, Jonathan Williams and Michael Gilmore.
Terry Larrier Fr. G/F 6-8, 175 Bronx, NY/ The Phelps School
What they’re saying about Terry Larrier – Allen Rubin/ Hoop Scoop: “He has a chance to be rookie of the year in the league. He’s long. He really puts the ball to the floor and gets to the rim. Plays with intelligence. He has worked hard on his outside shot which has improved greatly.”
Jay Gomes/ NJHoops.com: “He runs the floor very well, a very good athlete. He excels in the transition game but also a threat from the three-point range.”
Steve Keller/ National Recruiting Report: “He could lay claim to being the most talented small forward in the league. Big East and Big Ten schools were looking at him. He has a chance to be really good.”
Justin Tillman Fr. F 6-7, 190 Detroit, MI/ Pershing
What they’re saying about Justin Tillman – Steve Schwanda/ All Eyes on Hoops: “If ever there was a prefect fit in recruitment it is Tillman and VCU. Style of play fits in great with a long super athletic 4 man who can set up over the ball in a demand press. Runs the floor well and finishes around the basket with either hand. Is an above average rebounder and works the glass on both ends of the floor. Good timing on defense as well which makes him a good shot blocker.”
Jonathan Williams Fr. G 6-0, 175 Richmond, VA/ Benedict’s Prep (NJ)
What they’re saying about Jonathan Williams – Allen Rubin/ Hoop Scoop: “He’s really, tough kid, plays hard, a tenacious defender. He’s a smart player, picks his spots to go to the basket. His shot selection is good.”
Jay Gomes/ NJHoops.com: “He is a kid who fits the VCU mold in that he is a terrific on-the-ball defender. He gets in your grill. He is going to be a factor in their havoc defense.”
Jamie Shaw/ Phenom Hoop Report: “Williams is an uptempo point guard who cares for the ball and makes good decisions in a high paced situation. He plays in-your-face defense for 94’ and is a leader that is always smiling and kids seem to gravitate to.”
Ryan Lazo/ Hopewell News: “Jonathan Williams may not have the lightning quick speed of current Rams point guard Briante Weber, but his impact on the defensive end could be in the same realm. Williams is a relentless defender and has grown up watching head coach Shaka Smart’s system as a fan before committing last year. The lone weakness in Williams’ game is the perimeter shot, but in a defensive first system, expect Williams to get playing time and fast-break baskets this season.”
Steve Keller/ National Recruiting Report: “He is hard-nosed, tough, rugged competitor who just never steps backward. He is not a very good shooter, but he pounds the ball inside. He’s physical and competes and loves toughness.”
Michael Gilmore Fr. F 6-9, 205 Jacksonville, FL/ Rickards
What they’re saying about Michael Gilmore – Jamie Shaw/ Phenom Hoop Report: “Gilmore has a good frame that he is still growing into. He has touch beyond the three-point line and intriguing ability off the catch (facing the basket).”
Steve Keller/ National Recruiting Report: “He has good lift, runs pretty well, and he is quick. For a kid his size he can get out and run full tilt, catch a pass, out it down one time and then go up in the air. He can go from the top of the circle on the break all the way to the rim and dunk.”
Leave a Reply