VCU goes up against a venerable who’s who of college basketball giants in Rodney’s revised list, but that is something the Rams have grown accustomed to as of late. The Rams knocked off a laundry list of basketball heavyweights on their way to the Final Four this past March and are hoping to beat out a similar group of powers in Purvis’ recruitment this fall.

The VCU coaching staff has cultivated a very strong relationship with Rodney dating back to his freshman year and apparently the interest from our staff has been reciprocated by Purvis, his mother, and his coaches. Purvis is also familiar with a current Ram as he played against red-shirt freshman Reco McCarter as a freshman at Upper Room when Reco was a senior in high school. The coaching staff has targeted North Carolina as one of it’s primary recruiting areas with Juvonte Reddic and Reco McCarter both having come out of the state in recent years and they are hoping to add Purvis to that group. He is quite a talent as these videos attest to:

6\’3 Rodney Purvis: Best Junior in the Nation? (350,000+ views)

Is 6\’3 Rodney Purvis The Best Player In The Class of 2012? (184,000+ views)

Best High School Freshman In The Country? 6\’3\” Rodney Purvis (235,000+ views)

Regardless of what happens in Purvis’ recruitment, to be on the list of a player of his caliber is a statement to the recruiting world at-large. VCU receives instant credibility on the recruiting trail with this announcement and it is exciting to see the exhilarating run to the Final Four paying dividends for Coach Shaka Smart and the VCU coaching staff. Rodney Purvis is a game-changer as well as a sure-fire NBA player who would draw a lot of national attention to VCU and attract other elite North Carolina talent with him that VCU is targeting at the present time. He is the type of player that others would follow and although it will be a tall task to go up against some of these traditional heavyweights, it is encouraging to see that VCU is making in-roads with some of the very best players in the nation. If there is one thing that is sure, it is that Ram Nation will be following Rodney’s recruitment with great interest!

GO RAMS!

RICHMOND, Va. – Just weeks after Head Coach Shaka Smart guided VCU basketball into NCAA history, he and his staff have brightened the future of the program with the signing of Teddy Okereafor, a 6-4, 185-pound point guard out of Christchurch (Va.) School.

“The addition of Teddy is huge news to our program and vital to our future,” Smart said. “His biggest asset is making his teammates better, which is a trait that all winning players share.”

Originally from London, England, Okereafor came to the Commonwealth last fall to finish his high school career at Christchurch School under the guidance of Head Coach Ben Thompson. Since his arrival, he has become one of the top players in the state and helped his squad to one of its best seasons ever, reaching the state semifinals in March.

Read more… http://www.vcuathletics.com/sports/mbkb/2010-11/releases/20110417vq9xak

What makes his achievements in both sports all the more impressive is the fact that he comes from a tough family situation and despite his hardships has thrived. His father left him and his 4 siblings when he was just a child, leaving his mother working 2 jobs to keep the household afloat. His brother is sitting in a jail cell for allegedly shooting a man and Henry has had to grow up quickly and become the man of the house for his sisters. Things got so bad at home that his mother finally relented and let him go live with his girlfriend’s family to get him out of the negative environment surrounding his home. Without the money to pay for college, Henry’s flair for the athletic opened new doors towards completing a college education. The hardship of his life has given him toughness, heart, and desire that can’t be learned on the basketball court or the football field. He is one the hardest-working players on the football field and was the leading rebounder on his team as a 6’4 sophomore guard. Henry’s hard work is not just limited to the athletic arena; he sports a GPA above 3.0 as well. While he’s a great player on the court, Henry looks to be an even more remarkable individual off of it. Pierria’ was gracious enough to perform a Q&A with VCURamNation.

VCURamNation: On behalf of the Ram Nation I’d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind and why did you pick them over the other schools?

Pierria’: The main thing is the family relationship, also how the coaching staff is not only worried about basketball but the things in life… because the ball can only take you so far. Another reason is the style that coach Smart plays, thats what I love… but the whole level thing doesn’t mean anything because basketball is basketball and it shows, like Eric Maynor and Larry Sanders, you can make it out of there just like them other schools…

VCURamNation: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

Pierria’: I had offers from WVU, Marshall, Cleveland State, Ohio, Dayton, Akron, Delaware, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Central Florida, Radford, & Charlotte NC…

VCURamNation: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

Pierria’: In my eyes I would say my game is versatile between Ron Artest’s defense and offense like Rajon Rondo…

VCURamNation: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

Pierria’: Team ball and Defense…

VCURamNation: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year and what goals do you have for yourself?

Pierria’: I see myself fighting for the starting point guard position, and a goal for myself is first, taking the team to the sweet 16 or higher, be the best i can be, and also try to beat all of Eric Maynor’s records..

VCURamNation: You were first team all-state in West Virginia as a junior and went up against guys like Noah Cotrill (West Virginia) and Chase Fischer (Wake Forest). How do you think going against these guys helps prepare you for the next level?

Pierria’: Well it can only help me because of the competition level in college, it’s just like playing AAU, and prep school ball, everybody is nice so you got to work harder if you want to be the best and compete…

VCURamNation: In addition to being recognized as a great basketball player, you are also known to be a darn good football player as well. You have said in the past that you would consider both sports if opportunities presented themselves. How does that situation affect your commitment to VCU at this point?

Pierria’: It doesn’t at all because honestly yes, ever since I was a little kid I’ve played all sports from basketball, football, baseball, and track, so i wanted to make history like just a few people that played both. But when it all came to reality I would have to choose which one will pay my bills in the future. If I wanted to be the best, or even make it to the pros then I would have to work after the work is over if you know what i mean, so in the off-season i wouldn’t be able to work on that position and get better because i would still be in a regular season in the other sport. Then it also takes time from my education, so really i have to choose one that i know i will work harder in, therefore i will live and stay in a gym but i would only spend a couple hours on a football field. So really I’m just going off of God-blessed talent because I just play to have fun and be a kid, I couldn’t do it for a living…

VCURamNation: When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

Pierria’: Like toward the middle of my junior year, and it was from coach Jones and coach Smart, i talked to them both from the first day i heard VCU on my answer machine…

VCURamNation: What are you most looking forward to about coming to VCU?

Pierria’: Having a great basketball season, getting a good education in criminal justice, having the support and family bond from the team and fans, also just having a GREAT and LIVE time in college lol…

VCURamNation: Anything you want to say to the VCU fans?

Pierria’: I just appreciate the fans love and attendence, and how you all keep the game exciting. Also you all will never see a harder worker in the gym and in the weight room than I because I have a drive and a goal that I HAVE to succeed, and I promise every game, every practice, I will not let you all down. But don’t take me the wrong way I am not cocky at all but I have a lot of confidence in myself. Also I’m not saying I’m perfect, I will make mistakes but I will learn from it and won’t make the same one twice, that is my word… So just do me a favor and keep up the support and love for this year and for years to come at VCU, because before its all over we will be 1 of those big-time schools everybody talks about and wants to beat!!!! VCU BABBBBY… deuces and be easy, much love, (3 0 4 KC, never forget where & what i came from!!!)

VCURamNation: Thanks so much for your time Pierria’ and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!

Briante is young for his class as he just turned 17 and elected to take a prep year at Fork Union Military Academy. Although he qualified academically to go to college in 2010, he wanted to work on his body so that he would be more college-ready upon coming to VCU. ESPN compared him to Rajon Rondo with regards to his long wingspan and explosive athleticism and he has shown tremendous improvement going from a 76 grade to an 89 grade this summer. Rivals also listed him as a 3-star recruit and Scout.com rated him as a 2-star recruit.

VCURamNation: On behalf of the Ram Nation I’d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind and why did you pick them over the other schools?

Briante: My reason for picking VCU was that it was the best fit for me.  All my skill sets were matched in this style of play so it made it an easy pick.

VCURamNation: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

Briante: Mt. St. Mary, Quinnipiac, VMI, Air Force, Florida Atlantic, Jacksonville, and East Carolina.

VCURamNation: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

Briante: Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics) because we play alike and we both play the same way on defense.

VCURamNation: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

Briante: My on-the-ball defense.

VCURamNation: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year and what goals do you have for yourself?

Briante: I see me coming in and producing the best I can.

VCURamNation: You played with Boo Williams as well as a very talent-rich area in the 757 with Great Bridge. You’ve decided to take a post-grad year at Fork Union Military Academy. How do you think all these experiences will help you be successful at the next level in college?

Briante: I think FUMA would help prepare me to get ahead in my work first. It would also help prepare me for the college game and how to mature as a person and a player.

VCURamNation: You recently came to VCU on a weekend visit. What did you do while here and how did you like it?

Briante: I hung out with the team and my bro Theus and went to the step show. I just want to get to VCU ASAP.

VCURamNation: When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

Briante: I started hearing from them at the VCU team camp and Coach Rhoades was my recruiter.

VCURamNation: What are you most looking forward to about coming to VCU?

Briante: Getting in the Siegel Center and WREAKING HAVOC AHHHH!

VCURamNation: Anything you want to say to the VCU fans?

Briante: VCU fans get ready to yell for VCU #2 digg dat!

VCURamNation: Thanks so much for your time Briante and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!

After playing on the Junior Varsity squad as a sophomore, he helped spur a resurgence in the St. Mary’s Ryken High School program that has seen little success in the past playing in one of the deepest high school leagues in the nation. The WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference) boasts such national high school programs as DeMatha, Gonzaga, Bishop McNamara, Bishop O’Connell, St. John’s, and Archbishop Carroll High School. St. Mary’s Ryken is a relatively diminutive program by WCAC standards, but Graham made the daily 60-mile trek from his home in Bowie to Leonardstown, MD to play for the Knights. After moving up from the JV squad last season, Graham exploded onto the scene averaging 18.3 ppg and 10.4 rebounds a game (the first Knights’ player to average a double-double since West Virginia’s John Flowers). His efforts helped the Knights’ reach school-records with 18 overall wins as well as 10 conference wins in the WCAC. His impact was well-noted by those on the DC hoops scene as he garnered first-team WCAC honors and honorable mention All-Met honors as a junior. Treveon was gracious enough to do a Q & A with VCURamNation and shared some of his thoughts on joining the Rams for 2011:

VCURamNation: On behalf of the Ram Nation I’d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind and why did you pick them over the other schools?

Treveon: VCU was a good fit for me cause of their style of play and i really liked the staff they was really recruiting me hard and they make me feel like family.

VCURamNation: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

Treveon: Northeastern, Cleveland St., and Delaware offered me but Clemson, Boston College, and Cincinnatti were looking at me.

VCURamNation: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

Treveon: I think I play like the young paul pierce because I can get to the basket and he can really shoot.

VCURamNation: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

Treveon: My greatest strength is attacking the basket and rebounding.

VCURamNation: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year and what goals do you have for yourself?

Treveon: I see myself being a scorer for VCU and helping the team win games.

VCURamNation: The WCAC is widely known as a real hot-bed for bringing out great basketball players. How do you feel competing against some of the top high school programs like DeMatha, Bishop McNamara, Gonzaga, St. John’s etc. helps prepare you for the next level in college?

Treveon: Playing in this league was really a challenge my first two years. I was too small to play varsity so over the summer I was in the weightroom and I grew 3 inches that really helped my junior year where I really exploded. Me playing in this league made me really work hard on my game because every night I know I have to bring my A game.

VCURamNation: You recently came to VCU on a weekend visit. What did you do while here and how did you like it?

Treveon: When I was down there I ate a lot, I met with all the staff and the team we hung out and had fun. I really enjoyed myself.

VCURamNation: When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

Treveon: I started to hear from vcu at the end of last year and if u are askin who was the main coach that recruited me it was coach mike jones but my parents were the main people that helped me with my recruitment.

VCURamNation: What are you most looking forward to about coming to VCU?

Treveon: I’m looking foward to playing my first college basketball game.

VCURamNation: Anything you want to say to VCU fans?

Treveon: I would like to tell the fans thanks for all their positive support and I can’t wait to get there to show them wat I can do to bring vcu to the next level.

VCURamNation: Thanks so much for your time Treveon and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!

After a stellar freshman season, he transferred over to Northwest Florida State College (current Ram Toby Veal attended there as well) this summer. In the Raiders’ press release on their recruiting class for this upcoming season Head Coach Bruce Stewart called Hall “the nation’s top-ranked JUCO transfer in Carl Hall, formerly of Middle Georgia College” and that he “has the potential to be among the best players in the country”. He was recruited heavily by both Gregg Marshall at Wichita State and Tim Floyd at UTEP, both of which he had visits scheduled to. He visited Wichita State a couple of weekends ago and committed to VCU shortly after, canceling the visit he had scheduled to UTEP.

Hall is a power player who excels in the low post. He was a load in the JUCO ranks and will be able to contribute immediately for the Rams who will be young in the front court next year with Toby Veal the only returning upperclassman. Hall will bring immediate experience and skill to the position and afford the Rams another forward for Juvonte Reddic, DJ Haley, and Heath Houston to learn from as they grow into their roles on the team.

Hall looks to be a very solid piece in what looks to be a very solid CAA front court that Shaka Smart is putting together. What seemed to be a point of less emphasis in the past looks to be a real strength of the program now. The Rams will have the size to play with anybody in the country the next couple of years. With 2011 wrapped up, VCU will now look towards a highly-touted 2012 recruiting class where they will have 2 scholarships to give. Congratulations to Carl Hall and welcome to the VCU family!

After playing on the Junior Varsity squad as a sophomore, he helped spur a resurgence in the St. Mary’s Ryken High School program that has seen little success in the past playing in one of the deepest high school leagues in the nation. The WCAC (Washington Catholic Athletic Conference) boasts such national high school programs as DeMatha, Gonzaga, Bishop McNamara, Bishop O’Connell, St. John’s, and Archbishop Carroll High School. St. Mary’s Ryken is a relatively diminutive program by WCAC standards, but Graham made the daily 60-mile trek from his home in Bowie to Leonardstown, MD to play for the Knights. After moving up from the JV squad last season, Graham exploded onto the scene averaging 18.3 ppg and 10.4 rebounds a game (the first Knights’ player to average a double-double since West Virginia’s John Flowers). His efforts helped the Knights’ reach school-records with 18 overall wins as well as 10 conference wins in the WCAC. His impact was well-noted by those on the DC hoops scene as he garnered first-team WCAC honors and honorable mention All-Met honors as a junior.

On the AAU circuit, Treveon joined Michael Beasley’s Triple Threat AAU program and turned heads, being named the Most Outstanding Prospect at Hoop Group Elite Camp Session 2 as well as the Bob Gibbons All-Tournament team (he averaged 20.3 ppg during the event). While he is not known on the national level as much as he is locally, he’s got plenty of game and should turn more heads during his senior campaign. St. Mary’s Ryken Head Coach Dave Tallman agrees:

“He’s very excited about VCU,” said Dave Tallman, Graham’s high school coach. “He’s a special player. He’s a scorer. Anything from 15-feet in is like a lay-up for him. He was our best 3-point shooter last season.

Tallman said Graham had offers from Northeastern and Delaware and that Clemson, Boston College and Cincinnati had started recruiting him. “The fact that VCU has had two first-round NBA picks the past two years didn’t hurt,” Tallman said.

(photo via www.thebaynet.com)

In a recent interview with Scout.com’s Dave Telep, Treveon’s mother Katrina agreed with the coaching staff’s (especially Assistant Michael Jones’) persistence as being a big factor in Graham’s commitment:

“They came in early,” Graham said. “They showed more interest than anyone and to me and my son, we felt that my son was a priority to them. VCU always considered him their No. 1 recruit. My son is shy and they made him feel comfortable.

VCU committed a lot of summer resources on Graham as one member of the staff was in attendance every game he played in July. “They’ve been to practically all of his games this summer. They’ve been recruiting him hard. The other schools, we heard from them here and there. We felt that they really, really wanted him.”

Treveon Graham joins combo guards Pierria’ Henry and Briante Weber in the 2011 recruiting class. VCU has 1 more scholarship to give and will likely target a big man either through the JUCO or high school ranks. Congratulations to Coach Shaka Smart and the VCU coaching staff and a hearty welcome on behalf of the Ram Nation to Treveon Graham!

Averaging 17 points, eight rebounds, and five assists as a senior this past season, Weber, young for his class, will play one prep season at Fork Union before joining the Rams in 2011.

Weber, a Southern District Player of the Year, was courted by the likes of UVA, Marshall, Creighton and CAA rival Old Dominion.

ESPN compares Weber to a Rajon Rondo type, a long armed player who uses his defense to set up offensive opportunities.

Weber joins 6’4 West Virginia product Pierria Henry as the only commitment for the 2011 class after 6’6 forward Kasey Wilson reopened his recruitment this past month.

Houston has a college-ready body at 6’8, 240 pounds and is a face-up 4 who is pretty skilled and has a nice jumper out to 20 feet. He’s yet another lefty who will be a great on-the-ball defender in the press for the Rams. He is not highly-rated by recruiting services (83 ESPN grade, Scout 2 star, unranked by Rivals), but his offers do speak for themselves. He has a high-major body and has shown flashes of high-major ability during his high school career. While he may not be an impact player in the SEC, he is more than good enough at the CAA level. He will be a steady 4-year player for the Rams who won’t be flashy, but will get the job done. He is also a fairly good athlete (though not as explosive as Toby Veal) who will give us even more frontcourt depth with Jamie Skeen, Toby Veal, Juvonte Reddic, and DJ Haley.

VCU’s Coaching Staff is recruiting at a very high level with well-regarded players and building for a bright future. Just when we thought the 2010 class couldn’t get any better, we get a SEC decommit to cap off the class! Awesome stuff from Shaka and crew! Ladies and Gentlemen, I officially present the full VCU 2010 recruiting class: Reco McCarter, Juvonte Reddic, Toby Veal, Rob Brandenberg, DJ Haley, and Heath Houston! GO RAMS!

Rivals Profile: 3 stars, offers from West Virginia, Xavier, Virginia Tech, VCU, Marshall, Ohio, Akron, Cleveland State, and Delaware.

ESPN Profile: 92 grade, considering Akron, Marshall, West Virgina, Xavier, and Virginia Tech.

Scout profile: unrated, offers from West Virginia, Xavier, Akron, and Marshall.

What makes his achievements in both sports all the more impressive is the fact that he comes from a tough family situation and despite his hardships has thrived. His father left him and his 4 siblings when he was just a child, leaving his mother working 2 jobs to keep the household afloat. His brother is sitting in a jail cell for allegedly shooting a man and Henry has had to grow up quickly and become the man of the house for his sisters. Things got so bad at home that his mother finally relented and let him go live with his girlfriend’s family to get him out of the negative environment surrounding his home. Without the money to pay for college, Henry’s flair for the athletic opened new doors towards completing a college education. The hardship of his life has given him toughness, heart, and desire that can’t be learned on the basketball court or the turf. He is one the hardest working players on the football field and was the leading rebounder on his team as a 6’4 sophomore guard. Henry’s hard work is not just limited to the athletic arena; he sports a GPA above 3.0 as well. While he’s a great player on the court, Henry looks to be an even more remarkable individual off of it.

An unfortunate injury during the AAU season sidelined Henry as he developed a blood clot in his right leg after being kneed in the thigh at the Pittsburgh JamFest AAU tournament at the University of Pittsburgh. It was the second injury after developing a deep thigh bruise in the Nike Cup tournament in Columbus the week before. The blood clot required immediate emergency surgery and he underwent a number of surgeries to take care of it. While he is expected to make a full recovery, the timetable for recovery from such an event is anywhere from 3-6 months. This means that Henry will be unable to play in both AAU tournaments this summer and football in the fall. While Henry is a division 1 football prospect, he had not received any firm offers although many coaches were looking at him at the wide receiver position. With his recovery time impeding him from playing football this fall, basketball is the way to go for Henry.

Is anyone else thinking Jesse Pellot-Rosa here? Henry has all the makings of a tough, hard-nosed guard who can put up points in a hurry but also battle among the trees in the post to grab valuable rebounds. With offers from VCU, West Virginia, Xavier, Virginia Tech, Akron, Ohio, Cleveland State, and Delaware, Henry has been recruited by a wide variety of schools and ended up choosing the Rams. His ultimate goal is to go to the NBA in order to provide for the family and mother that have worked so hard their whole lives to get by:

“That’s why I keep working hard every day to get to the pros. That’s my main thing; get my mom a nice home and a car that will work. Let her sit down and relax and enjoy life. Right now, she can’t do that. She’s been working ever since I can remember.”

Sound like a good kid to you? South Charleston AD Jason Redman agrees:

“For him to go through the things that he’s gone through and be the quality kid that he is … Let’s put it this way: I have a two-month old son, and I hope he grows up to be that kind of quality person.”

While it sounds like Shaka Smart and the rest of the VCU coaching staff have picked up a heck of a basketball player, it also looks like they’ve picked up an even more impressive individual in the process.

Henry joins 6’7 forward Kasey Wilson as the 2nd VCU commitment in the 2011 class. There are 2 spots remaining. I think I speak for all of Ram Nation when I say, “Welcome to VCU, Pierria Henry!”

***This post can also be found at: www.theramrecruitingreport.blogspot.com ***