San Jacinto College forward Maurice McNeil signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at UH last weekend.
McNeil averaged 19.7 points and 11.7 boards per game during his sophomore season with the Ravens. This production level led to his selection for the NJCAA Division I All-Region XIV First Team.’
McNeil, who chose UH instead of Missouri, Arizona or Oklahoma State, will bring quickness, scoring and rebounding to the Cougars.
‘Maurice is an extremely athletic player who has an amazing wingspan,’ head coach Tom Penders said. ‘He runs the floor, is very active on the glass and can finish inside. He is perfect for what we do.”
McNeil (6-9, 215 pounds) joins guard Nick Haywood and forwards Kirk Van Slyke and Kendrick Washington in the Cougars’ 2009 signing class.’
‘The spring period is a month long, but we started off with a grand slam in the first inning,’ Penders said. ‘They fill a lot of different areas. Versatile is the right word to describe these kids on the court, and, just as importantly, all three are outstanding students.’
Haywood (6-0, 165 pounds) averaged 19.3 points, 5.1 assists and 2.7 steals per game during his career at Ouachita High School in Monroe, La. He was named Most Valuable Player of the Louisiana Class 5A state championship game, leading Ouachita to its first state title in school history.
Van Slyke (6-9, 215 pounds) played at West Point Prep in New Jersey last season, leading or tying for the team-high in scoring 15 times. Van Slyke also prepped at College Park High School in The Woodlands.
Washington (6-7, 270 pounds) averaged 19.4 points and 17.5 rebounds per game in his senior year at Huntington High School in Shreveport, La. This stellar season earned him a spot on the Class 5A All-State First Team for his second consecutive season.
‘I liked the players and how everyone got along,’ Washington said. ‘I felt like I was a fit to the program and could help them.’
