TicketsNov. 18, 2009
CINCINNATI - Kelvin Gaines, a 6-foot-10, 225 pound center from Ocala, Fla., has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of Cincinnati men's basketball team beginning in 2010, fourth-year head coach Mick Cronin announced today.
"Kelvin Gaines is a natural born shot blocker and we are thrilled to announce his signing," said Cronin. "Kelvin and his family are great people and we are excited about helping him develop as a person and a player. KG can run and jump and is going to be pushing 250 pounds once we get him in our strength program. He is very athletic, plays above the rim and has a nice jump hook. He is also a bright, mature young man that will be a great addition for our entire University."
Gaines averaged 10.1 points, 9.9 rebounds and 6.2 blocks in 2008-09 playing for Jason Niblett at Heat Academy in Martinsville, Va. The Heat finished the season with a record of 50-8 and was ranked as as high as No. 12 in the national prep school polls.
This season, Gaines transferred to Arlington Country Day in Jacksonville, Fla., where he will team with fellow 2010 Bearcat signee Justin Jackson, a 6-foot-8 forward and native of Jacksonville. The Indians are ranked No. 31 in country in ESPN's Preseason poll.
"We are happy to address our needs with two young, big athletic players," Cronin continued. "Justin and Kelvin both play above the rim and are very mobile, which is going to fit our up-tempo style of play. Our staff did an excellent job of finding two guys that fit our needs and have the talent to help us compete for the BIG EAST Conference Championship. It is never easy to find big men, let alone quality, mobile, big men that fit our style, so I am very happy that we have added these young guys to our program."