TicketsApril 20, 2007
. - University of Cincinnati men's basketball coach announced today (April 20) that Jason Henry (Cincinnati, OH/Harmony Community), Anthony McClain (Fort Washington, MD/National Christian Academy) and Alvin Mitchell (Ft. Lauderdale, FL/Cardinal Gibbons) have signed National Letters of Intent with the Bearcats. Henry, a 6-7 small forward/guard, McClain, a 6-11 center, and Mitchell, a 6-5 small forward, will be eligible to play the 2007-08 season for UC.
Henry, who played locally last season at the for Rodney Crawford, put up 21 points and six rebounds a night. Henry is ranked as the No. 17 small forward and No. 69 player overall by Scout.com.
"Jason is a multi-talent basketball player," says Cronin. "At 6-7, he has great ball skills and has all the tools to become a great player. He will need to get a little stronger but he has all the natural ability to be outstanding. I look forward to working with him and we are happy he decided to become a Bearcat."
One of the biggest and most talented players available in the late signing period, McClain will be an offensive and defensive presence for the Bearcats in the lane. Last season, he averaged 13 points, 11 rebounds and four blocked shots per game playing for coach Trevor Brown at the in McClain is the No. 6 center in the country according to Rivals.com and was among the top 100 players.
"Anthony is a great kid," said Cronin. "We are really excited to have him join the program. Obviously, we needed to add size to the team and he is almost 7-0 without shoes. Most importantly, he plays big as a shot blocker. I look forward to helping Anthony grow as a person and a player. We are excited to have him join our family."
As a senior, Mitchell averaged 33.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 6.2 assists while playing for head coach Buddy Pressley and . There he led the Chiefs to a 26-4 record and a place in the state semifinals. His accomplishments on the floor earned Mitchell Florida's Class 4A Player of the Year honor, first-team all-state and first-team accolades. Mitchell is considered the No. 26 small forward prospect by Scout.com.
" is an explosive guard that can score the ball from beyond the arc as well as take it to the basket with authority," said Cronin. "A big-time talent with a world of potential, he comes from a great high school program - Cardinal-Gibbons - and is coached by one of the best in the business, Buddy Pressely. We are happy to have join the Bearcat family."
Henry, McClain, and Mitchell will join Kenny Belton (, /Dudley), Rashad Bishop (, NJ/St. Benedict's Prep), and Larry Davis (Houston, TX/Alief-Hastings) who signed with UC during the early signing period in November.