Notre Dame Recruiting

CLASS OF 2011 INTRO: VINNY ZOLLO

Former UK commit for Billy Gillispie is wide-open despite rumors of another commitment

Vinny Zollo has already made a college choice once, despite just beginning his junior year of high school. In the spring of 2008, following a freshman season at McClain High School in Greenfield (OH), Zollo verbally committed to then-Kentucky head coach Billy Gillispie following an unofficial visit. However, now that Gillispie is no longer the coach at UK, Zollo has re-opened the process and is exploring new options.

That is not all that is new since the early commitment to UK. Zollo has also relocated and now attends George Rogers Clark High School in Winchester (KY). Playing for coach Scott Humphrey, Zollo averaged 16 points and 11 rebounds as a sophomore.

“Vinny is wide open,” coach Humphrey told NBE Sports via e-mail when asked about Zollo’s recruiting status.

Recently, rumors have circulated that Zollo made a verbal commitment to Notre Dame, but that is not the case according to his coach.

“Zero truth to this,” said Humphrey of the commitment rumor following a visit to South Bend earlier this month. “An assistant attended an open gym. Vinny went to a football game [and] played with the current Notre Dame players in the morning prior to the game. He had a great time. Enjoyed the entire trip.”

It was actually a return trip to South Bend for Zollo who also spent time checking out the Notre Dame campus last spring.

The 6-foot-8, 220-pound power forward plays on the AAU circuit with the Indiana Elite program. On the floor, he is a versatile big man that likes to play in the high post and use his ability to score from the perimeter to create mismatches pulling opposing big men away from the basket. Coach Humphrey sees Zollo continuing to improve all aspects of his game with hard work.

“Vinny can step out and hit the ’3′ consistently,” said Humphrey. “He is improving quickly on his back to the basket game.

He continues to work hard on all phases of his game. Very strong work ethic with a passion to improve.”

With his skill set and being a complete package on and off the court with a strong desire to find a school with strong academics, Zollo will definitely be a player on the Notre Dame radar. NBE will continue to monitor the progress of Zollo’s game and his recruitment as he looks for the right fit, the second time, in a college program.

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