Cherrington, Rasul Among Midlands Most Wanted
Hakim Rasul and Englebert Cherrington may be among the top available forwards in the JUCO Class of 2004, but they're bound for different levels of the NCAA spectrum.
Rasul, a 6-6, 220 pound power forward from Tucson, Ariz., is a prime Division II recruiting target due to a clock issue.
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Cherrington, a 6-7, 240 pound power forward from Belize, has emerged as a high Division I recruiting target this spring.
JUCO Junction spoke with Midland Head Coach Shannon Hays last week at the NJCAA Tournament. He gave us the latest info on both Cherrington and Rasul, as that of other recruitable Chapparal sophs.
Rasul, who made the NJCAA All-Tournament team, is being pursued by Kentucky Wesleyan, Emporia State, Tarleton State and Abilene Christian.
Cherrington visited Toledo early, but has seen a serious spike in his recruitment over the past few months. He plans on visiting Cincinnati and Georgia, Hays said, while Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon and Penn State round out his current list.
Should Cherrington visit both Georgia and Cincy, he would have two more official visits remaining (assuming he opts to use them).
Sergio DeRandamie, a 6-6, 230 pound power forward from Suriname, is a prime mid-major recruiting target this spring.
A key role player on this year's Midland squad, DeRandamie is a player noted for his defense and rebounding. His offensive game is generally confined inside of six feet.
Hays said Louisiana Tech, Arkansas-Little Rock, New Mexico State, Bowling Green and Central Florida are among the colleges courting DeRandamie.
Another frontcourt player, 6-8 combo forward Rodney Epperson of Flushing, N.Y., signed with St. John's in the fall.
Turning to the Midland backcourt, perhaps no other Chap player boosted his stock more than 6-0 combo guard Brian Latham of Memphis, Tenn.
An athletic penetrator with a knack for making timely three-pointers, Latham had secured a scholarship offer from Creighton by week's end. He was named "Small Player of the Tournament" after helping Midland finish third.
In addition to the Blue Jays, Baylor, Tennessee-Martin, San Diego State, New Mexico State, Alabama-Birmingham and Arkansas State round out Latham's list.
Another perimeter player garnering attention from Division II programs is 6-2 shooting guard Jarvis Brown. Brown is a native of Midland.
Hays said that Abilene Christian, West Texas A&M and Arkansas Tech are eyeballing Brown, who is noted for his solid defensive play.
JUCO Junction plans on keeping you informed on the Midland program as the late signing period approaches next month, so keep it here for the most up to date information on the net.