After spending a year in one of the most loaded prep school programs in the country at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.) it’s reasonable to assume that 6-7 forward Montrezl Harrell is ready to step in and be an impact freshman next season. Outside of Mississippi-based wing forward Devonta Pollard, Harrell is the only top-100 prospect in the country who doesn’t at least have a question mark about enrolling in college for Fall.
The coaching switcheroo at Virginia Tech predicated Harrell asking for and receiving a release from his letter of intent to the Hokies, which hurt even more as the Hokies also lost their prized recruit from the 2011 class, forward Dorian Finney-Smith, who is transferring. Harrell was the top dog signed by former coach Seth Greenberg.
According to Dave Telep of ESPN.com, Harrell narrowed his list on Monday to Louisville, Florida, Alabama and Cincinnati. With due respect to the Gators, Crimson Tide and Bearcats, he seems to be Bluegrass bound unless something changes. There is an association between former Hargrave coach Kevin Keatts, an assistant at Louisville, who initially recruited Harrell to play at Hargrave. Also, it has been widely reported that Harrell will try to visit Louisville first.
Alabama is one of only a few schools without a newcomer for next season, Florida needs a big man in their class, and Cincinnati is also pushing for post players, but Louisville appears to be the favorite in the race to land Harrell. While scholarships could be an issue for the Cardinals, their creative use of walk-ons this season could be repeated for Harrell to join the squad. Only point guard Terry Rozier is in the Cardinals class as it stands, and Harrell would be an important addition that could physically be ready to play as a freshman.
Kellon Hassenstab runs Hoopniks.com. Follow him on Twitter @hoopniks.