RTD: Final Four-run helped VCU land surprise recruit

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districtballer

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http://www2.timesdispatch.com/sport...four-run-helped-vcu-land-surprise--ar-981512/

Virginia Commonwealth's newest signee for 2011 figured to be a 2012 recruiting target for several schools, including some in BCS leagues.

But Teddy Okereafor's decision to graduate early from Christchurch School, coupled with VCU's Final Four splash and need for depth at point guard, culminated in Okereafor signing with the Rams on Sunday after an official visit.

"Teddy is one of those guys you aren't supposed to get this late in the year," Dave Telep, ESPN.com's senior college basketball recruiting analyst, wrote in an email. "Had it been known that he could graduate in 2011, I expect many high-major programs would have tried to sign him.

"He's got great pace and passing ability to his game. . . . This is one of those under-the-radar spring signings that will have significant dividends."
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The article also mentions Teddy has a 6'7 wingspan (like Rob Brandenberg). We have some tall, long, athletic guards coming in to this program!
 
More that didn't make the print edition:

http://www.mytimesdispatch.com/index.php/sports/comments/more_on_vcu_signee_teddy_okereafor/15262/

Thompson said Okereafor has “great poise and great feel for the game at the point guard position. It’s amazing some of the things he can do. He’s a willing and capable pass-first-type point guard. He’s a clutch shooter with a great stroke and great feel for the game. Has excellent body control, great hands, stays on balance on both ends of the floor. He can get into the lane at will on offense. And he’s a good defender.

“The one knock of him [when he came over from England] was he wasn’t a dependable shooter. He’s definitely become clutch since coming here to Christchurch. He’s definitely improved his shooting. He’s clutch out to the 3-point line now.”
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VCU coach Shaka Smart, on Okereafor:

“He can definitely score, if that’s what you give him. He can hurt you in a lot of different ways. If you want to dedicate two men to him in a ball-screen situation, he’s going to find the open man. If you don’t give enough help, he can make you pay by scoring.”

On what he needs to work on:

“It’s just going to be making the transition to college. Like any other freshman, adjusting to the speed of the game, the physicality of the game. Once he does that, he’s going to be a very good player.”
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Shaka's building something here folks.
 
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