Fitzgerald Signs; Kilgore TX Update
Had he waited, Antonio Fitzgerald probably could have signed at a higher level this spring.
That said, the high scoring 6-1 shooting guard from Kilgore College in Texas might have found the perfect niche at Boise State.
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A native of Danville, Va., Fitzgerald visited Boise State from Apr. 9-11 and signed with the Broncos on the 15th, according to Kilgore Head Coach Scott Schumacher.
"Antonio's choice to go to Boise was a good one, because the style of play fits his ability," Schumacher said.
A two time all-conference and all-region selection, Fitzgerald was an honorable mention pick for the NJCAA All-American squad as a sophomore.
He averaged 21.3 points, 6.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game for Kilgore in 2003-2004. Fitzgerald shot 41 percent from the field, 28 percent beyond the arc and 74 percent from the foul line.
While his shot selection isn't always crisp and he can be a bit out of control at times, Fitzgerald is a strong and athletic guard with a knack for making the tough finish and drawing contact. He's what we like to call a "power guard."
"He can score off the dribble and is a versatile offensive player," Schumacher explained. "He can hit the three, knock down the midrange jumper and get to the rack."
Fitzgerald has two years of athletic eligibility remaining at Boise State.
Two other backcourt players, 6-1 combo guard Deme Antia and 5-11 point guard Ronnie Smith have also reached springtime decisions.
Antia, a freshman qualifier from Houston, has signed with Prairie View A&M. Antia averaged 8.8 points, 3.6 rebounds and two assists per game for the Rangers, shooting 37 percent from the field, 30 percent beyond the arc and 74 percent from the foul line.
Smith, a Dallas native who transferred into Kilgore after spending his freshman year at the University of Idaho, has inked with Southern Arkansas.
Smith averaged 9.2 points, 2.2 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game this past season. He shot 36 percent from the floor, 34 percent beyond the arc and 82 percent from the foul line.
Schumacher said that Smith's desire to stay closer to home influenced his decision to sign with Southern Arkansas.
A pair of Kilgore big men have yet to sign, although one was very close to pulling the trigger this week.
Berry Jordan, a sculpted 6-8, 225 pound power forward/center from Jacksonville, Fla., was set to sign with Louisiana-Lafayette. He visited UL-L from Apr. 16-18.
However, Louisiana-Lafayette Head Coach Jesse Evans is expected to assume the reins over at the University of San Francisco this week.
A one-time University of Arkansas recruit, Jordan averaged 8.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game for th Rangers this past season, shooting 54 percent from the floor and 52 percent from the foul line.
While he's a bit rough around the edges offensively, Jordan is a capable rebounder and defender blessed with a great frame and good hops.
Jordan's bookend on the frontline, 6-7, 230 pound power forward Gary Robinson of Houston, Tex., has a number of Division I options under consideration.
Robinson visited Prairie View A&M back in mid-March with teammate Deme Antia. He paid an unofficial visit to Texas Southern on Apr. 17 and is currently on the campus of Louisiana-Monroe (Apr. 21-23), Schumacher said.
Arkansas-Little Rock is also in the mix with Robinson.
A southpaw who brandishes some face-up skills, Robinson can knock down the occasional mid and long-range jumper.
He averaged 8.9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game for Kilgore in 2003-2004, shooting 45 percent from the floor, 47 percent beyond the arc and 65 percent from the foul line.
JUCO Junction will keep you posted on the Kilgore program as its players continue to make decisions.... stay tuned!