Interview with VCU signee Darrell 'DJ' Haley

With 6'11 big man Larry Sanders leaving for the NBA draft and seniors TJ Gwynn and Kirill Pischalnikov graduating and moving on (as well as the subsequent dismissal of rising junior Terrance Saintil), the Ram frontcourt was suddenly very thin with only rising senior Jamie Skeen and walk-on redshirt sophomore David Hinton returning in the frontcourt next year. The staff had to address the gaps in the frontcourt and came up big with the signings of some highly-touted big men, including an intriguing 7-footer out of California in Darrell 'DJ' Haley. Haley's father Darrell Sr. played in the PAC-10 for California in the early 80's and DJ has picked up a lot from his dad. He runs the floor extremely well for his size and has soft hands, finishing around the basket but also possessing a nice perimeter stroke as well.

Scout.com ranked Haley as the #8 Center on the West Coast and ESPN.com's Joel Francisco named Haley as one of the top sleepers out west:

One of the top sleepers out West is 6-9 senior Darrell Haley (Palmdale, Calif.). He has a terrific lengthy frame and good hands. He is a tad mechanical and is still very raw, but the upside is there.

During his visit, Haley measured out just shy of 7 feet at 6'11 3/4". He will bring much needed size and athleticism to the frontcourt as well as a tireless work ethic. Along with Juvonte Reddic, Haley makes up one of the bigger and more athletic frontcourt recruiting classes at VCU in a while. DJ was gracious enough to spend some time to do an interview with the Report:

RRR: On behalf of the Ram Nation I’d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

RRR: You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind?

DJ: VCU is the right fit for me because I felt like I was at home as soon as I stepped on campus. The team was great, the campus was welcoming, and the coaching staff is amazing. I feel that I can become the best person I can possibly be on and off the court at VCU.

RRR: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

DJ: I had offers from Iowa State, Wyoming, Drake, VCU(of course lol), and had interest from USC, Colorado, Cornell, and Princeton.

RRR: When you ultimately chose to commit to VCU, which schools did you have offers from or have visits scheduled for?

DJ: When I committed to VCU, I already had it narrowed down to them and Drake. I visited VCU and then went to visit Drake a week after. I committed the day after I got back from Iowa.

RRR: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

DJ: I would have to say Pau Gasol. I like to get to the bucket but also have some finesse to my game.

RRR: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

DJ: I think my greatest strength is my defense. People say I move pretty well for my height, and I am pretty good at staying on the ground and contesting shots.

RRR: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year?

DJ: I'll play wherever the coaches and my team needs me. I'm all about teamwork.

RRR: There was a lot of buzz around campus when you came to visit and the staff made it clear they really wanted you at VCU. What did you do while on your visit in Richmond?

DJ: Basically, they showed me the city and the campus. I really enjoyed going to the Music and Engineering departments as well as seeing the game. I met some pretty important people and hung out with the team. Oh and we had some delicious food. I might have gained some weight on the trip haha.

RRR: California is a long way from Virginia! When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

DJ: Well, I started hearing from VCU from Coach Wade. He had been recruiting me back when he was at Harvard and gave me a ring one day when he was already at VCU. That's when it started.

RRR: What did you think of the fans and atmosphere at the Siegel Center when you visited for the Akron game? Did you hear your name chanted by the fans? (they planned that one in advance)

DJ: The fans are too awesome. I also enjoyed the band. They both ROCKED! The atmosphere of the game felt more intense than the UCLA vs. USC game I went to. And everybody was telling me that the fans were not as crazy as they usually are that game. I actually did not hear the chant coming from them. I did not find out until after the game. I was really into the game haha.

RRR: Your success off the court and in the classroom has been well-publicized as well. Rumor has it you're interested in working for NASA one day?

DJ: Haha. Well I try to excel on and off the court. NASA is definitely where I want to be. I have a fascination with technology especially with a focus on the aerospace/aeronautical side of things. My goals are actually to help develop new ways and strategies for space travel as well as help develop new ways of living from a technological perspective.

RRR: Anything else you wanna say to Ram fans?

DJ: I am looking forward to finally getting on campus!!! I will strive to be the best player I can possibly be as well as the best person. GO RAMS!!!

RRR: Thanks so much for your time Darrell and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!

Update on 2011 Verbal Commit Kasey Wilson

6'7 PF Kasey Wilson decided early that he wanted to become a Ram, committing to Shaka Smart and VCU early in the spring. He visited VCU February 6th and watched the ODU game in front of a packed, sellout crowd of 7,500. He finished the year off strong for the North Port High Bobcats and was named the team MVP for the 2009-2010 year. He also set a school record for most points in a game this season when he dropped 36 points in one contest. He picked the Rams ultimately over Ohio University and Head Coach John Groce, a former Ohio State assistant who has shown himself to be a shrewd evaluator of talent (his team, ironically also the Bobcats, knocked off the 4th-seeded Georgetown Hoyas in the NCAA tournament this year). While Kasey Wilson originally hails from Columbus, Ohio (along with 2010 commit Rob Brandenberg), he ultimately decided VCU was where his heart is, and lucky for us, because he is one heck of a player!



With the high school season over, AAU season began and Wilson led his Florida Elite 17U team to the AAU Disney Easter Classic at the Disney Wide World of Sports Milkhouse and Jostens' Center from April 2nd-4th. 12 courts at one location with non-stop basketball featuring some of the top teams in the country. The Florida Elite 17U played in the Red Division and won the title despite finishing 2nd in their pool where they took out the Jacksonville Lee Bulls (the former AAU team of current Ram Ed Nixon).

According to Florida Hoops, Wilson and 2012 guard Michael Frazier led the way for the Elite. Here's what they had this to say about Wilson's performance:
Wilson, a 6’7 forward from North Port (FL) HS and a Virginia Commonwealth commit is a player we thought would eventually move to the wing. However, he is very athletic and plays so well against bigger guys inside that it may not be necessary. Wilson surprises with his ability to get off the floor quickly and block shots, catch lobs for dunks in half-court sets, and throw down violent dunks on the break. He displays solid fundamentals in the half-court and rarely makes mistakes with the ball.

Next up was the Bill Hensley Memorial Run 'N Slam taking place this weekend, a tourney having one of the longest days of the year as far as AAU is concerned. Yesterday, 14 consecutive hours of games were played at the Spiece Fieldhoue in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This time Michael Frazier (2012) made the most noise for Florida Elite, but Wilson also played well. Florida Elite 17U won their first 5 games on Friday and Saturday including a 58-56 overtime nail-biter to get the 17U team to the Elite 8 this morning. Wilson and Florida Elite battled hard in the 9:30 game this morning, but came up 2 points short of advancing to the Final Four. Despite the loss, Florida Elite played well and Kasey Wilson continues to give Ram fans reasons to be excited about the 2011 class. Wilson is quite the pickup for Shaka Smart and the VCU staff, although that seems to be par for the course if the last several months have been any indication. The fall signing period can't get here fast enough!

Interview with VCU signee Reco McCarter

Reco McCarter was the 2nd commitment for Shaka Smart in the 2010 class and is one of the headliners of this year's recruiting class. My write-up during the Fab Five series covered him in detail. McCarter was a Rivals150 prospect for much of his recruitment (128 then 147 during his junior year) and is ESPN's highest ranked CAA recruit with a grade of 91(#32 SF). He boasted offers from a plethora of major-conference schools and according to Shaka Smart had visited Oklahoma and Georgia before ultimately picking VCU. He has been a 1st team 1A selection out of North Carolina the past 2 years running in a division that included John Wall, CJ Leslie, Dezmine Wells, Ian Miller and a bunch of big name players. Reco is peer among them and has Ram fans all over the nation excited to see what he brings to the court next year. He is a 6'7 small forward with NBA range on his 3-pointer and while streaky, he can burn you from the outside or take it to the rack and punish the rim. His dunk on consensus top-15 national prospect and NC State commit CJ Leslie has made him somewhat of an internet sensation garnering over 10,000 views since December. Reco was gracious enough to spend a few moments with the Report to answer a few questions.

RRR: On behalf of the Ram Nation I’d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

RRR: You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind?

RECO: To be honest, I really fell in love with Coach Smart and Coach Wade. I felt like they were young guys who were on the rise but all they needed were MORE talented guys like Myself, Rob, DJ, J.Reddic, and Toby.

RRR: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

RECO: Clemson, N.C State, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Virginia Tech (besides VCU).

RRR: When you ultimately chose to commit to VCU, which schools did you have offers from or have visits scheduled for?

RECO: The same ones I narrowed it down to Georgia, Oklahoma, and VCU.

RRR: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

RECO: I'm me....I don't think there is really no one my game resembles cause I just flat out PLAY!

RRR: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

RECO: My quickness and my ability to make plays on the offensive and defensive end! Like I said I just flat out PLAY!

RRR: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year?

RECO: Whatever role Coach Smart and the rest of the coaching staff wants me to play... ;)

RRR: North Carolina has been a real hot-bed for bringing out great basketball players. How did competing against guys like CJ Leslie, Rodney Purvis, Brian Richardson, Jeremy Jeffers, John Wall etc. help prepare you for the next level in college?

RECO: Playing against those guys I developed the attitude that I have to play hard night in and night out!

RRR: When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

RECO: The beginning of summer '09...Coach Smart was my primary recruiter! That's how I knew that VCU was serious about getting me there!

RRR: You wore 32 in high school and Brandon Rozzell currently sports 32 for VCU. What number do you think you’ll wear at VCU?

RECO: I chose to wear number 25!

RRR: You attended the last couple of VCU games at the Siegel Center during the CBI. What did you think of the atmosphere and fans at VCU?

RECO: I love it...I can't wait to get the crowd pumped up next year!

RRR: Anything you want to say to VCU fans?

RECO: I can't wait to meet all you guys personally and VCU fans will be very excited about the fab five coming in next year! We're looking to win and bring MORE excitment!

RRR: Thanks so much for your time Reco and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!

Video Interview of Juvonte Reddic by WXII12 on committing to VCU

Winston-Salem's local news station WXII12 covered hometown school Quality Education Academy's successful year sending 3 players to 'big-time Division 1 programs'. Ram commit Juvonte Reddic headlines the interview which also includes Stargell Love (Baylor) and Aaron Bowen (Georgetown). WXII12 caught up with Reddic, Love, and Bowen as well as interviewing CEO Simon Johnson and QEA Head Coach Isaac Pitts on QEA and how the players balance academics and basketball.

On signing his LOI with VCU: "It's probably one of the highlight moments of my life."

On his future: "I wanna go to college all 4 years so I can just get a degree, just in case I don't make it to the league. So I'm gonna fall back on it, but my goal is to do well in college and later on be drafted into the NBA."

The feature also mentioned that all 3 players including Juvonte worked hard in the classroom and have GPA's over 3.0.

Interview with VCU signee Rob Brandenberg

Earlier in my review of VCU's Fab Five, I did a fairly comprehensive write-up of Ohio native and VCU 2010 commit Rob Brandenberg. He is a standout guard from Columbus, Ohio and was the first commit in the class of 2010 for Coach Shaka Smart and the VCU coaching staff. It's only fitting that he should then be the first guy interviewed by the Report as well. Rob was gracious enough to spare some moments to talk to me about his decision to come to VCU as well as a little bit about himself as a basketball player.

RRR: On behalf of the Ram Nation I’d like to express our excitement at your decision to be a part of the future of VCU basketball.

RRR: You were pursued by many schools from many different levels, what made VCU the right fit for you in your mind?

ROB: Well VCU's playing style and the coaching staff were the two main reasons why I chose VCU. I feel I can be very successful and I feel that VCU will get the best out of my game.

RRR: Over the course of your recruitment, which schools did you have offers from?

ROB: I had offers from Wright State, Akron, Ohio, Miami(Ohio), Marshall, Western Carolina, App St, Nevada, Butler, VCU, and Loyola of Chicago.

RRR: When you ultimately chose to commit to VCU, which schools did you have offers from or have visits scheduled for?

ROB: I had no officials set up but earlier in the month I went to Ohio, and Wright St. on unofficials.

RRR: Which NBA or college player would you say your game most resembles and why?

ROB: I think I am a 6'2 Kevin Durant...We both play very smooth and can play off the dribble or shoot over a defender.

RRR: What do you think your greatest strength as a player is?

ROB: I think my athletic ability with the ball. I use my athletic ability to jump and shoot over defenders. I use my speed to blow past defenders and I can flush on defenders in the half court or the fast break.

RRR: What role do you see yourself playing at VCU next year?

ROB: I see myself backing up Joey or Rozzell at the 1 or the 2 and being a player off the bench with instant offense and alot of energy on defense.

RRR: Ohio has a lot of D1 basketball talent with guys like Jared Sullinger, JD Weatherspoon, Geron Johnson, Jordan Sibert, Aaron Kraft etc. Rivals ranked you as the #11 player in all of Ohio. How did playing in the Ohio Capital Conference and the States after that prepare you for the college level?

ROB: The teams in the OCC are very defensive minded and I seen all types of defenses so it just prepares me just in case I see those types of defenses in college.

RRR: When did you start hearing from the VCU staff about playing at VCU and who was the primary person in your recruitment?

ROB: I started to hear stuff from VCU in April of 2009 from coach Getter, so him and Rhoades were the primary recruiters.

RRR: You helped lead your high school team Gahanna Lincoln to a big upset of the #1 team in the country in Columbus Northland. Nobody was giving you guys any respect. How did it feel to knock them off?

ROB: It felt incredible. To beat the number one team in the nation is something I can take with me for the rest of my life. Unfortunately we did not win states but I will use that loss to fuel the fire at VCU.

RRR: Any chance Stevie Taylor wants to join you at VCU? ;)

ROB: Stevie is my boy and he is a great player, but he's likely to stay in Ohio or the Midwest.

RRR: Anything else you wanna say to Ram fans?

ROB: Expect big things from us this year! We are going to build off Coach Smart's successful rookie year and do some great things!

RRR: Thanks so much for your time Rob and we can’t wait to see you take the court for VCU!

Reddic finishes just outside the Rivals150...at 151 (per Jerry Meyers at Rivals)

In Rivals' highly complimentary write-up on Juvonte Reddic after committing to VCU, Brian Snow of Rivals.com said this:

On the strength of his senior year, Reddic will earn definite consideration for a Rivals150 ranking when they are updated after the season.

Well, today the Rivals put out their final Rivals150 for the class of 2010...and Reddic was not on it, although his teammates Stargell Love and Aaron Bowen cracked the list. I emailed Jerry Meyer at Rivals.com in his recruiting mailbag to ask what happened with Juvonte in light of Snow's comments. His reply:

"Literally 151 and I’m not being sarcastic"

Close but no cigar. While it is somewhat disappointing this still puts him as the highest-rated CAA recruit in the class of 2010 by Rivals.com. He has been upgraded to a 3-star recruit from unranked however. This makes him the second rivals 3-star after Reco McCarter in the class.

Reddic's updated Rivals profile

2011 Prospect- 6'7 SF Aaron Rountree

6'7 Rountree is an intriguing prospect that has great size at 6'7 to go along with a nice mid-range game. He is not a polished product but averaged 10.1 points and 8.8 rebounds for Bedingfield High out of North Carolina. He was invited to Dave Telep's Carolina Challenge as one of the top underclassmen in the state. VCU has targeted North Carolina as of late with Reco McCarter and Juvonte Reddic having signed from the 2010 class and Rountree,Travion Leonard, Chris Wilson, Anthony Stitt, Keynan Pittman, and Freddie Jackson among others in the 2011 class. He already visited VCU on March 19th and visited UVA the month before. In a recent workout at his high school, coaches from VCU, UVA, NC State, and Elon were present to evaluate his game. Although he's still a work-in-process, Rountree has a nice all-around game and does many things well. He will be a player to watch for the Rams in the 2011 class.

Rivals profile: unranked, interest from VCU, Virginia, NC State, and Elon.

Scout profile: 2 star

The 6'7, 190 pound wing has a pretty smooth shooting touch and nice range out to the 3-point line. This video clip shows off his nice touch from the perimeter. His highlights begin at 0:28.



Despite it being early in the process ACC-members Virginia and NC State have jumped in on him early. He visited UVA in February along with 2012 phenom Montrezl Harrell who also sports a VCU offer but will almost certainly go higher. The VCU staff brought him in for a visit on March 19th where he toured the campus and practice facilities.

While it's still early in Rountree's recruitment and there is stiff competition from ACC schools, the coaching staff has shown a penchant for identifying under-the-radar players before they blow up. With Kasey Wilson already committed to the Rams and a host of impressive players considering VCU from the 2011 class, there is much to be excited about in the year ahead when it comes to Ram recruiting!

Dave Telep gives high praise, calls 2010 VCU class 'talk of the league'

In an article from the Commonwealth Times (a VCU student-run paper), columnist Adam Stern interviews Scout.com National Recruiting Director Dave Telep. Telep has very high praise for Shaka Smart's first recruiting class and even goes as far as to say that 'it's going to wind up being the talk of the league.' “VCU’s primary concern (going into this year’s recruiting) was getting some bodies for their front court and I don’t know if it could have worked out any better for them. Long, rangy guys that fit in with the style they play, it’s perfect.”

Here is the article in its entirety (very good read):

CT: Basketball Recruiting Class 'Talk of The League'- Adam Stern

Here is a sample of Telep's thoughts on Juvonte if you don't believe me (he also discusses DJ Haley and Rob Brandenberg).

Juvonte Reddic: “They snatched a couple guys, man, I actually thought they were wasting their time with Reddic. I thought he was going to wind up going higher, so for them to pop Reddic was a big deal.”

Needless to say, Telep is highly impressed with VCU's 2010 class. There is much for Ram fans to be excited about. The best part? He didn't even mention the guy he rates the highest and headlines the class in Reco McCarter. The future looks bright ladies and gentlemen.

2010 Recruiting Class Highlight Video

With all 5 NLI's signed, VCU Athletics released a compilation of video highlights of the Class of 2010 coming into VCU this fall. This is probably one of the most athletic overall classes we have had at VCU and there is no doubt that these players fit Shaka Smart's 'Havoc' style to a 'T'. Enjoy!

The Signing Period is Upon Us!

We are now in the spring signing period and 3 players signed their NLI's to play at VCU this coming season. 6'8 Toby Veal, 6'10 Juvonte Reddic, and 7'0 Darrell Haley Jr. are officially part of the Ram family. Here are pictures of the signing ceremonies for all 3 players:


Darrell Haley Jr. signs his NLI surrounded by family and his high school teammates.


Juvonte Reddic (center)signs his NLI accompanied by teammates Stargell Love (left, Baylor) and Aaron Bowen (right, Georgetown).


Toby Veal (right) signs his NLI accompanied by teammate Sherard Brantley (headed to Georgia).