Backcourt Targets Abound For Tech
Mario Taybron
Mario Taybron

Posted Aug 30, 2002


Recently we discussed some of the front court targets that the Virginia Tech staff was pursuing and this time we will check in on the likely backcourt targets. First though, a brief update on those players that we earlier mentioned in the frontcourt.

Vincent Hunter - Long,lean post player who exploded in Orlando during the 17U Nationals might have Tennessee in the lead. VT has an outside chance still, but getting a player out of Southeastern Conference country and Arkansas will be difficult.

Wilfried Fameni - His recruiting portfolio is expanding significantly after a very impressive spring and summer. Has visited Georgetown (offer), West Virginia (offer) and Virginia Tech (offer) already. Will be taking an official visit to Arizona St this weekend. Liked his visit very much to VT, but West Virginia might slightly lead Tech at this time. Those two currently are his two leaders.

Brad Byerson - Recruiting list still a bit fuzzy, but it is thought that Tech, along with Dayton, are his two favorites. State kid would be a nice get for VT. Combines solid body with some perimeter skills in a nice package.

Coleman Collins - New kid added to list and has big upside. From Atlanta, Collins combines athleticism, size and is a terrific student. 6-8 forward might not be finished growing. VT,South Carolina,Charleston, SMU and Rice are schools he is looking at currently.

Now briefly hitting upon the VT backcourt targets, which will probably see Tech look to pick up either a point guard or combo guard, in the expectation that there will be one available grant for a backcourt player, finds VT looking at several players.

Demetric Bennett - This 6-3 combo guard from Albany, GA can really shoot the ball well and is looking at Georgia,Georgia Tech,Florida St,SMU,Georgia Southern and UAB, in addition to Tech. Had a terrific tournament in the 17U Nationals in Orlando in July.

Dwon Youmans - 6-3 combo guard from Jacksonville,FL plays for strong high school team and is deciding among VT, Florida,Florida St,Clemson and Auburn.

Larry Blair - 6-1 combo guard attends Camden (SC) Military Academy and is originally from Charlotte NC. Exploded on the scene in May at the Bob Gibbons Memorial Tournament where he was the events' leading scorer with a 33 pt/game average. Needs to work some on academics and that might have curtailed some interest from schools, but he still is hearing from Charleston, Charlotte, South Carolina and VT, among others.

Drew Williamson - 6-0 point from Burlington NC is a two sport star, playing as football quarterback. Has led team to back-to-back state championships in basketball and a state runnerup in football last fall. Will concentrate on basketball only in college. Looking at VT, who probably leads, Charleston,Elon. Georgia Tech and West Virginia are starting to get involved.

Mario Taybron - 6-2 combo guard is originally from Hampton VA and attended Ryan Academy in Virginia last year. Will be playing this year at Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg,VA. Final five schools, all of whom have offered, include VT, St John's, Clemson, George Washington and Oklahoma. Slated to be visiting this weekend at VT.

B.A. Walker - Led his Nandua HS team to a Group A state championship last year in Lynchburg and was a first team all-state selection. Very fine shooter and is from the peninsula neck area of Virginia, which is the home area of a former Tech great, Ace Custis. 6-2 combo guard needs to add strength, but can shoot it and passes well.



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SG Demetric Bennett (profile)
PG Larry Blair (profile)
PF B.J. Byerson (profile)
PF Will Fameni (profile)
PF Vincent Hunter (profile)
SG Mario Taybron (profile)
PG B.A. Walker (profile)
PG Drew Williamson (profile)
SG Dwan Youmans (profile)
[View My HotList]