Friday, July 18, 2008 | 1:25 p.m.
A talented high school basketball player has slipped through the recruiting cracks, and it might not be a long shot that he winds up at UNLV.
Darnell Shumpert, a 6-foot-8 forward who averaged 11.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 10.6 blocks as a senior at Tucson Santa Rita High, is on the market.
Rebels coach Lon Kruger watched Shumpert play for the first time last week at the Fullcourt Press All-West Camp in Los Angeles.
That UNLV does not have a scholarship available for the fall could be an issue with Shumpert. Kruger doled out his last one to senior swingman Rene Rougeau before the Rebels went to Australia for their recent tour.
However, Shumpert could attend a prep school this fall and join the Rebels, with a scholarship, for 2009-10.
In fact, that's the route Kruger discussed with Shumpert and his mother, Vicki Watson, during an hour-long telephone conversation Thursday night, according to Shumpert.
Findlay College Prep in Henderson isn't an option, coach Mike Peck said, because it discontinued taking post-graduate players in May. He said that move enhanced the Pilots' sponsorship deal with Nike and their scheduling possibilities.
“The coaches that have seen me have told me they’re amazed someone of my caliber is still available,” Shumpert said in today’s edition of the Tucson Citizen.
Kruger cannot comment about a recruit until he signs a letter-of-intent.
Shumpert told the Citizen that Kruger told him he could develop into a professional player if he adds more weight on his lanky frame. Apparently, he's been impressed that Kruger has shown more interest in him than any other college coach.
Shumpert transferred from Sahuarita High after his junior season to play alongside Terrell Stoglin at Santa Rita.
While Shumpert’s senior statistics might be a bit inflated, many in Tucson regard him as a three-star jewel that has flown under the radar of even top recruiting agencies. Watson vehemently denied that her son's statistics were not accurate.
Oregon State, St. Mary’s and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo reportedly have offered him scholarships. Friday morning, Alabama-Birmingham and Cal State Northridge supposedly made offers to him.
That list likely will expand next week when Shumpert participates in the adidas Super 64 tournament in Las Vegas, where he will play for the Compton Magic.
Kruger, and likely many other eager Division-I coaches, will be watching him closely.
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