Virginia Commonwealth University basketball coach Shaka Smart picked up his second early commitment for the 2011 season, landing 6-4 guard Pierria' Henry out of South Charleston, W.Va.
Henry was an all-state basketball selection as a junior this past season, helping South Charleston High to the state semifinals. He plays wide receiver and defensive back in football and was the most valuable player in last year's Class AAA state championship game.
Assuming his recovery goes well from recent surgery for a blood clot in his leg, Henry could be a significant recruit for Smart. He said he had received scholarship offers from high-level programs such as West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Xavier and Dayton.
He chose VCU because he believes Smart and his staff will serve as father-figures; because he believes the Rams will give him a chance to get to the NBA; and because his grandfather and biggest fan, Jerry Stephens, was partial to VCU and its staff after their visit in February. Mr. Stephens died May 3.
"I'm one of those kids who grew up without a dad," Henry said. "The first thing I want when I go to college is a father-figure and somebody I can really trust and lean on while I'm away from my family."
Henry underwent five surgeries in April after developing a blood clot in his left leg. He incurred a deep thigh bruise while playing in AAU and a week later took a knee to the same thigh.
VCU's staff was the first to call while he was in the hospital, he said.
Henry, who has a 3.25 GPA and has qualified academically, will be out for six months and will not play football this season. He is expected to be ready for basketball.
Smart earlier got a commitment from 6-7 junior forward Kasey Wilson out of North Port, Fla.
The early signing period for 2011-12 starts in November.
Contact Tim Pearrell at (804) 649-6965 or tpearrell@timesdispatch.com.
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