Wednesday, November 13, 2002

Valparaiso University men's basketball coach Scott Drew announced that four players have signed national letters of intent to attend Valpo and play basketball. The 2002 class includes Kenny Harris of Griffith (Ind.) HS, Jimmie Miles of Rich Central HS in Olympia Fields, Ill, Oumar Sylla of Our Savior New American HS in Centerreach, N.Y. and Moussa Mbaye of Life Center Academy in Burlington, N.J.

Harris, a 6'10", 320-pound center, is rated as the top player in Indiana by College Basketball News. Also selected as the 34th best player in the nation by Hoop Scoop magazine, Harris played his first three seasons at Bishop Noll High School in Hammond, Ind.

Miles, a 6'2", 185 -pound guard, was rated as the 45th best player in the nation by Bob Gibbon's Recruiting Service late this summer. He played his first three seasons at Homewood Christian High School in Illinois.

Sylla, a 6'6", 205-pound guard-forward, is a native of the African nation of Mali. The 91st best player in the nation, according to Hoop Scoop, Sylla has played two years at Our Savior New American in Long Island, which is ranked preseason No. 10 in the nation by rivals.com.

Mbaye, a 6'9", 210-pound forward, is rated as a potential top 100 player by Hoop Scoop. A native of Senegal, Mbaye will be playing his first season at Life Center Academy.

"This recruiting class is ranked the highest overall in the history of Valparaiso University," Drew said. "In fact, this class is ranked as the 19th best in the nation by Hoop Scoop magazine. Obviously, our coaching staff is very excited and looking forward to blending the talent from this class with Valpo's current players."

Hoop Scoop has ranked the 2002 Valpo recruiting class the highest of all schools in Indiana and ahead of such national powers as Missouri, Florida, UCLA and Connecticut.