Rasul Signs; Midland TX Update
While he was out of Division I eligibility, 6-6 strongman Hakim Rasul of Midland College in Texas became a key target this spring for many elite Division II programs.
According to Midland Head Coach Grant McCasland, Rasul has opted to sign with Abilene Christian University in Texas.
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McCasland said that Rasul picked Abilene Christian over Emporia State and Kentucky Wesleyan, to name but a few.
"The fact that Abilene Christian is close to Midland makes the move easier, and he liked the coaching staff -- it's a young, energetic staff, and they recruited him very hard," McCasland said. "The whole package was the best fit for him."
A native of Tucson, Ariz., Rasul averaged 15.1 points and 7.9 rebounds per game for the Chapparals, who finished in third place at last month's NJCAA Tournament.
Rasul shot 49 percent from the field and 68 percent from the foul line this past season. He was named to the NJCAA All-Tournament team for his efforts last month.
Combo guard Brian Latham and power forward Englebert Cherrington will join former Midland Head Coach Shannon Hays at the University of Houston.
JUCO Junction had previously reported Cherrington's commitment. Latham signed with the Cougars at the start of the early signing period.
Latham, who earned the "Small Player of the Tournament" award at last month's NJCAA Tournament, averaged 8.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 2.3 steals per game for the Chapparals. He shot 48 percent from the floor, 43 percent beyond the arc and 59 percent from the foul line.
Shooting guard Jarvis Brown has pledged to West Texas A&M. A native of Midland, the 6-2 Brown averaged 6.5 points, 2.8 rebounds, 1.7 assists and one steal per game for the Chaps in 2003-2004.
One player who hasn't yet reached a decision is 6-6 power forward Sergio DeRandamie.
McCasland said that Central Florida is the current leader for DeRandamie. He's taken official visits to both UCF and Arkansas-Little Rock, and Houston has also shown interest.
DeRandamie averaged 3.5 points, 6.1 rebounds and one assist per game this past season. He shot 44 percent from the field and 34 percent from the foul line.
JUCO Junction will keep you posted on DeRandamie's situation until it reaches a conclusion this spring. Stay tuned.