VCU note: Rams add depth at point guard

Rams add depth at point guard

It's taken a while for the pieces to fall into place, but Virginia Commonwealth coach Shaka Smart shored up the Rams' most pressing need: depth at point guard.

With 5-10 Joey Rodriguez deciding to return and the recent signing of 5-11 Issiah Grayson, Smart will have two small but quick options to replace Eric Maynor, VCU's all-time leader in scoring and assists who was the first-round pick of the Utah Jazz in last week's NBA draft.

Grayson, who is from Dunwoody, Ga., played his senior year at Findley College Prep in Henderson, Nev., and was prepared to go to postgraduate school to "physically mature and get stronger," Smart said. Grayson doesn't turn 18 until December.

"He is a very young player for his grade," said Smart, noting that Grayson's grades were good. "He weighed the option of [postgrad school] vs. coming here, and I think he realized it was a pretty good opportunity here both now and in the future."

Findlay was created three years ago to play a national schedule and help its players attract big-time college coaches, according to its Web site. Findlay went 33-0 and was the top team in national polls. Grayson was a backup point guard, averaging 4.1 points and 2.8 assists.

"Grayson's a guy who has been around some of the best players in the country and has himself a national championship," said Dave Telep, Scout.com's national basketball recruiting director. "I think he can fill in at both guard spots, obviously knows a great deal about winning and can be effective with his stroke."

With the Rams in the market for another point guard with their final scholarship, they took a look at Grayson. Smart knew about Grayson from his time at Dunwoody, where he averaged more than 17 points while helping the school to the state Class 3A final four.

"He's really, really quick," Smart said. "He's terrific in an up-tempo, fast-paced game. Good shooter. He's a guy who in his year at Findlay really learned to distribute the ball and think pass first. He needs to get stronger. He's only about 155 pounds, but he's a very good athlete."

Sanders making tour of skills camps

Forward Larry Sanders was scheduled to return yesterday after spending three days at the Amare Stoudemire Skills Academy in Phoenix. The camp focused on skills development for big men.

Sanders, a rising junior who checked in at 6-10 and 217 pounds, will be off again Sunday. He is scheduled to attend the LeBron James Skills Academy in Akron, Ohio.

Staff additions

Smart has hired Daniel Roose as the strength and conditioning coach and Mike Pegues as the video coordinator.

Roose has been a strength and conditioning coach at UNC Pembroke, Marshall and Campbell. Pegues is Delaware's all-time leading scorer.

Black has tough time in high jump

High jumper Ronnie Black did not clear the opening height of 6-8¼ at the USA Junior National Track and Field championships in Eugene, Ore.

The 6-4½ rising sophomore cleared 6-10¾ during the season but was unable to get over the bar in his three attempts. - Tim Pearrell