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CENTER IS 6-FOOT-10
Sources: Davidson signs a top recruit
Ben-Eze considered one of best prospects left
KEVIN CARY
kcary@charlotteobserver.com
Davidson has signed one of the top remaining recruits in the 2008 national class, the Observer has learned.
Sources familiar with the process confirmed that Frank Ben-Eze, who plays at Bishop O'Connell High in Arlington, Va., signed with Davidson on Wednesday. Joe Wootten, Ben-Eze's coach, said they faxed his letter of intent to Davidson on Wednesday morning.
According to hoopscoop.com, Ben-Eze is the 12th-best prospect overall who had yet to commit to a school.
But Ben-Eze, a 6-foot-10, 230-pound center, decided on Davidson after an official visit over the weekend.
"Frank had visited other schools, but none like Davidson," Wootten said. "Their coaching staff showed him that Davidson has a chance to be very good next season, especially since (Stephen) Curry is coming back."
Ben-Eze (pronounced Ben-A-zee) is ranked No. 21 at his position overall by hoopscoop.com, and would give Davidson immediate help. Davidson reached the NCAA tournament's Elite Eight last season, but no other Davidson player is taller than 6-9.
Ben-Eze's size would benefit a Wildcats team that loses forwards Boris Meno and Thomas Sander to graduation. Ben-Eze is from Nigeria, and played basketball there with current Wildcat Andrew Lovedale.
Ben-Eze might not be on the court at the start of the season. He is recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee that he suffered in February.
With this signing, Davidson will have two scholarships available. Coach Bob McKillop has said one might go to current walk-on Ben Allison.
Ben-Eze initially verbally committed to Harvard, but backed away in March. Rivals.com said he also had offers from Marquette and Virginia Tech.
• Davidson College President Tom Ross said he is still negotiating with McKillop on a new contract. McKillop led Davidson to a 29-7 record last season.
Ross said he thinks the school can work out a deal with McKillop and his staff.
"We want to do as much as we can to reward Bob and his staff fairly for their performance," he said. "I don't think it will drag out too long."
