VCU ANNOUNCES 2007 MEN'S BASKETBALL RECRUITING CLASS
11-8-06
RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University head coach Anthony Grant has announced the signing of four high school seniors to National Letters of Intent. The quartet, Grant’s first recruiting class at VCU, includes forward Myk Brown, forward Lance Kearse, guard Joey Rodriguez and forward Larry Sanders.

“My staff and I are extremely excited about the addition of these four young men,” Grant said. “What really stands out with this group is their character, passion for the game and achievements in the classroom. They all fit our style of play and have experienced winning and playing for championships. We have addressed our needs for the early signing period and look forward to having them in a VCU uniform.

“I would also like to thank the VCU family for all their help in showing the enthusiasm and pride that is Virginia Commonwealth University basketball.”

Brown (6-4, 200) attends P.K. Yonge High School in Gainesville, Fla. A big, strong wingman, Brown averaged 14 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per contest as a junior. Brown was first team all-area for North Central Florida and third team all-state. He was named to the Kingdom of the Sun All-Tournament Team and his team made a regional final appearance.

Kearse (6-6, 225) is a senior at Fort Myers High School in Fort Myers, Fla. The athletic forward averaged 18 points and 12 rebounds a season ago. Kearse was first team all-area for Southwest Florida and first team all-state.

Rodriguez (5-11, 160) is a native of Oviedo, Fla., and goes to Lake Howell High School in Winter Park, Fla. A leader on the court, Rodriguez averaged 13 points as a junior with 3.5 rebounds and 10.2 assists, which led the state of Florida. His team was preseason No. 5 in Sports Illustrated after three consecutive State Final Four appearances. He was first team all-area and all-conference and second team all-state.

Sanders (6-9, 210) attends Port St. Lucie High School in Fort Pierce, Fla. A strong defender and rebounder, Sanders averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds a year ago. An all-conference performer, Sanders was second team all-state and led his team to a State Final Four appearance.

VCU opens the 2006-07 campaign on Monday, Nov. 13, with a 7 p.m. contest at Longwood. The Rams then travel to the Virgin Islands to face nationally-ranked Xavier in the first round of the Paradise Jam.