Big news from Charlotte today as class of 2011 point guard Marquis Rankin verbally committed to Virginia Tech! Rankin is around 6 feet tall and 170 lbs... he should get stronger in the weight room before coming to VT. Rankin has blazing speed, incredible instincts, and excels at pushing the ball in the open court. He is still working on his half-court offense, but has shown good improvement on his jumper and his playmaking skills. Rankin is rated the #29 player in the class of 2011 by ESPN.com and has similar ratings from Scout.com and Rivals.com. He is a pure point guard and at his best compares with UNC's Ty Lawson. Marquis has an outside shot at becoming VT's first McDonald's All-American since Dell Curry in 1982.
Rankin joins a loaded class for 2011 which already includes 6'7" power forward CJ Barksdale and 6'4" shooting guard Robert Brown. Barksdale is a beast on the offensive boards and a gifted finisher. At his best, he compares favorably with Clemson's Trevor Booker as an undersized power forward with a great motor, excellent defensive skills, and good rebounding instincts. Robert Brown is being touted as a shooter and if I had to pick an ACC player to compare him to, I think I would say UNC's Wayne Ellington... except not quite so prolific. Brown will keep the interior defense honest by pulling players out to the 3-point line to guard him.
You are really starting to see what the new practice facility and the success of Seth Greenberg is doing for VT's recruiting. The 2010 class boasts two promising players in small forward Jarrell Eddie and combo guard Tyrone Garland. Either could contribute to the team next year and become a starter in 2011. However, the 2011 class is looking to be stacked, and Greenberg is not done recruiting. With 5 seniors graduating (and more importantly, the five players who get the most playing time), there are plenty more spots to fill, and there are chances for class of 2011 freshmen to claim starting roles.
I love what you're doing, Seth. Please never leave us. I'll even find a way to get a real NY Deli to Blacksburg. Maybe I'll just airlift it.
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