Connecticut Recruiting, Matt Whitfield, Syracuse Recruiting

CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: LAQUINTON ROSS

Mississippi forward is on the radar of many top programs

By MATT WHITFIELD

Murrah High school in Jackson (MS) is known for producing some talented basketball players such as Othella Harrington, Lindsey Hunter and Mo Williams. However, a player by the name of LaQuinton Ross has a chance to be the best of the bunch.

The 6-foot-8 small forward is only entering his junior year, but he already has a great frame and game to match. Compared already by some to Lamar Odom, Ross told NBE this summer that big time schools such as Memphis, Alabama, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Texas, USC, Florida, Connecticut, Baylor and Syracuse have offered him scholarships.

While preparing for his junior year at Murrah, basketball is not the only thing on Ross’ mind. A fallen teammate weighs on his mind, too.

Last season one of Ross’s teammates, LaChristopher Ulmer, was killed in a car accident that also injured three other of his teammates, Dundrecous Nelson, Daniel Francis and Jason Hubbard. After the accident Murrah players stuck together and played inspired basketball, but came up a game shy of the championship.

“We went on a winning streak, we lost one game after that and lost in the semifinals,” stated Ross.

Ross told NBE he knew Ulmer since the sixth grade and that he will get a tattoo to remember him on his chest.

This summer though Ross has been playing in some of the most prestigious events and camps. In addition to being one of the few class of 2011 players invited to the NBA Top 100 Camp, Ross was also a featured invite for the Rebook All-American Camp in Philadelphia.

Despite all the attention he’s getting Ross told NBE last month he really has no favorites at this point.

“I’m really wide open, see I don’t watch college or NBA basketball,” said Ross.

Of his recruitment in the Big East, Ross mentioned Syracuse and Connecticut as schools that have offered, but stated Syracuse, former home of his favorite player Carmelo Anthony, was really the only school in the conference that he was considering.

“That’s mainly the one in the Big East I like,” stated Ross about Syracuse.

Ross did mention wanting to take a visit to Syracuse this summer as well as USC. He also stated to NBE that he had visited Memphis, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi and Baylor previously.

While Ross is not nearing a decision, he does have some factors in mind that will help him in his eventual decision.

“A good coach, the atmosphere, and the students and the campus and all that,” Ross told NBE.

For now the manchild, who feels his best asset of his game is his ‘work ethic’ really just wants to wok on growing into his body before college.

“Probably get stronger before I get to college, that’s…really the main thing,” Ross said of an area he would like to improve.

Scouts have said the only thing that will hold Ross back will be himself. In the coming years we will find out if he can come close to following in the footsteps of his favorite player or the previous stars from Murrah High School.