Hurley: RU Is "In the Mix" With Samardo Samuels

St. Benedict's coach Danny Hurley said tonight that Rutgers was "a legitimate option" for coveted junior big man Samardo Samuels, ranked No. 1 in the nation among centers in the Class of 2008.

"They're in the mix," Hurley said of Rutgers. "They're a legitimate option for him."

The 6-9, 240-pound Samuels averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds for St. Benedict's, which finished 24-1 and was ranked No. 1 in the nation by USA Today for one week before falling to in-state rival St. Patrick.

He had previously said that his Top 5 schools were North Carolina, Florida, UConn, Georgetown and Louisville, but Hurley said RU was making real progress.

"They're doing a good job recruiting him," Hurley said. "He's high on them. He knows he can trust them."

Hurley, left, added that Samuels thinks Rutgers is not far from being a serious player in the Big East and maybe beyond.

"He sees the potential," Hurley said. "If they get a couple more guys the level of (Mike) Rosario, it's a legitimate option.

"He's been down there (to Rutgers) twice in the last 10 days and he really likes it."

This development has to be viewed positively for Rutgers and its fans.

Hurley recently sent fifth-year guard Chris Smith to Seton Hall, which next year will have two St. Benedict's products in Smith and Big East All-Rookie Team point guard Eugene Harvey.

Bob Hurley, Danny's father, gave the thumbs up for Rosario, a shooting guard who is one of five St. Anthony players to commit as juniors, to verbal to Rutgers, marking the first time in some two decades that a Friar had committed to RU.

Now the best player on St. Benedict's appears to be considering RU as well. Stay tuned...

(Photos courtesy Scout and 195 BAllerz)

Comments

[RU Fuzeball]

In reality, we have no chance. This kid is going to Florida or UNC.