McDaniel ready to roll at Cincy State
Cincinnati State has produced some solid Division One prospects over the last couple of years. Looks like that will be the story once again this season. Gary McDaniel has run the women's program at the school for the last 14 years, but now takes over for Andre Tate on the men's side of things.
He has plenty of talent in his first season. One player has already made his college choice. Kenny Hayes will play for Miami (OH) next year. Hayes is 6-foot-2 and averaged 12 points per game last year at St. Catharine's (KY).
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"Kenny can really create his own shot," McDaniel said.
Dwayne Harmason transferred to Cincy State from St. Catharine's along with Hayes. Harmason averaged six points per game from the point guard spot last season.
"He knows how to run a team and he brings pressure with the ball," McDaniel commented.
Kurt Dukes is a strong, physical defender at 6-foot-1. He is also the only player back from last year's squad.
"He really makes a difference with his intensity," McDaniel said. "Kurt will log a lot of minutes this year."
The biggest (literally) secret at Cincinnati State is 7-foot, 250-pound Quel Ferguson. Ferguson played six games last season at Division II St. Augustine's (NC) before transferring to Cincinnati State. He is entering his third year of college and many coaches do not realize where he is.
"Quel runs fairly well for a big man," McDaniel said. "He is going to get better and he is a legit seven foot."
The prospect with the most potential may not be coming out until 2008. Brandon Russ could be one of the top freshmen in the country this year. He is a high-major type player.
"He is a key to my recruiting class," McDaniel said. "He reminds us of John Williamson."
All in all, Cincy State should be well worth watching.