Highlands Lawrence Signs without Visit
It wasn't the way that Highland Head Coach Pete Norman envisioned it going, but 6-11, 225 pound Cougar sophomore center Trevor Lawrence has signed with New Mexico State.
Norman had expected Lawrence to sign in the spring, and he told that to many college coaches who had inquired about the big Jamaican this fall.
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Last week, Norman received a call from the New Mexico State staff to see if he had received the letter of intent in the mail. He was puzzled at first, but the Aggies had primarily recruited Lawrence through a high school coach in North Carolina.
"I'm a bit disappointed in how the process was handled," Norman said.
Norman told JUCO Junction that New Mexico State, Jacksonville, Ball State, Northern Illinois, Arkansas-Little Rock and North Texas were in this fall to take a look at Lawrence.
In recent weeks, high majors like Minnesota, Virginia and Rutgers had contacted Norman regarding Lawrence.
A native of Great Portmore, Jamaica, Lawrence played sparingly last year at Chipola J.C. in Florida.
JUCO Junction caught him in action last month at the Illinois Valley Jamboree, and it was apparent that he had a ways to go in terms of skill development.
This season, Highland is 3-0, and Lawrence is playing roughly 10 to 15 minutes per game.
"He has legitimate size, and that's the biggest thing he has going for him," Norman explained. "He has good athletic ability and runs the floor well."
"He is developing some touch around the basket," Norman continued. "But he doesn't block as many shots as you might think."
Following his sophomore season at Highland, Lawrence will have two years of athletic eligbility at New Mexico State.