6-foot-7 small forward Reco McCarter, ranked No. 35 at the small forward position on ESPN.com, verbally committed to Virginia Commonwealth, sources have confirmed. McCarter chose the Rams over Boston College, Charlotte, Virginia Tech and Clemson among others.
ESPN.com's Director of Recruiting Paul Biancardi talks about this get for new head coach Shaka Smart and his staff.
"Reco is a long, athltletic and wiry strong lefthanded perimeter player who's blessed with exceptional talent," Biancardi said. "He's smooth and he scores in a variety of ways.
"He excels in an up-tempo transition game where he can go from defense to offense efficiently. He's a finisher with flair in transition."
McCarter's athleticism allows him to do a variety of different things on the court.
"He's a versatile scorer who can make 3's as knock down mid-range jumpshots with ease," added Biancardi. "On his jumper he elevates and see's over his defenders for easy buckets.
"Reco also handles the ball well for a small forward and is capable of putting up big numbers with more physical maturity and coaching."
McCarter also has the defensive skills that the VCU staff covets, according to Biancardi.
"He really shows his versatility on the defensive end of the floor with his athleticism. HIs quickness combined with his outstanding length allows him cover a lot of ground on the court in a fullcourt press situatuion. He can also close out on shooters in the blink of an eye making him very difficult to shoot over.
"He does need to get stronger and be a more consistent plyaer but that should come once he physically matures."
Biancardi cannot help but notice the terrific start Smart and his staff are off to in Richmond.
"The new VCU staff have landed a kid who can really fit into their future plans. He'll thrive and produce in the Rams' fullcourt pressing style of play. McCarter's athleticism and versatility give them a weapon on both ends of the floor.
"With McCarter and (Rob) Brandenburg (Gahanna, Ohio/Lincoln H.S.) coming in next year Coach Smart and his staff have shown their excellent recruiting and evaluation skills," Biancardi concluded. "Both kids bring a high level of skill and athleticism to their positions. They're good players who should contribute immediately."
