Carter to Marist

Dorvell Carter, a 6-foot-6, 220-pound forward out of Rice High School in Manhattan, has made an oral commitment to play for Marist head coach Chuckie Martin.

Carter, who averaged 14 points and six rebounds last season, chose Marist over Robert Morris, Quinnipiac, Stony Brook, Iona and Long Island University. He took an official visit to the school a couple of weeks ago.

"I think it's a good fit for him." Rice coach Moe Hicks said Thursday by phone. "I think it's the perfect timing. Coach Martin gets the job and he said he liked the way Dorvell plays, and I think Dorvell can make an impact right away."

Playing alongside Durand Scott, Kemba Walker and Chris Fouch, Carter had several big games this past season for the Raiders, including 14 points and 7 rebounds against his former school, St. Raymond's, in an 81-74 overtime victory in January. Carter added 16 points when Rice beat St. Ray's a second time, 87-80, at Fordham's Rose Hill Gym in February.

"He really improved," recruiting analyst Tom Konchalski said. "A year ago I don't know if people would've seen him as a Division I player. He's an inside player. He didn't have a lot of inside skill but he always battled. Last week he really battled (Louisville-bound big man) Samardo Samuels at iS8 and fought for every inch of space in the post, but he really battled him. He really competes.

"(Carter) improved his ability to score. He was always a guy who could rebound and defend, but he improved his ability to score. He can score. He has more range to his game than he did before. There were games where he was really an unsung hero."

Lincoln players Justin Greene and Vincent Council, who have yet to qualify, may follow Carter to Marist.