Brazilian Big Man Getting High Major Looks

While the game of basketball spreads around the globe, Laurinburg Institute (NC) is becoming a hub for some of the world’s most promising talent. Hatila Passos De Souza is next in line for head coach Relando De La Berrea. De Souza, a 6-foot-10, 235 pound forward from Brazil is in his second year at the school and he’s looking to mark his mark on American soil in 2003-04.

De La Berrea told RivalsHoops that De Souza is much like his countryman Nene Hiliaro, who plays for the Denver Nuggets. Both players attack the basket and grab every rebound imaginable. But De Souza has the ability to step out on the perimeter, showing his small forward skills.

With his versatility, rebounding skills, passion and size, several high major schools have been looking at the big man.

“He’s been on a ton of mailing lists and interest has been high from a bunch of places but he’s just weighing his options right now,” Laurinburg Institute head coach Relando De La Berrea said. “Suffice it to say, he’s getting interest from the top three conferences: SEC, Big 12 and ACC.”

While De La Berrea was tight lipped about his star forward’s recruitment, De Souza is getting looks from Kentucky, Ohio State, LSU, Missouri, Virginia and UConn.

There hasn’t been any official visits set up at the moment, leaving the option for a late signing. That worked well for Linus Klezia, who became a highly sought after forward and signed very late for Missouri after a tight race between the Tigers, FSU and UNC.

Laurinburg Institute will be playing at several tournaments during the regular season. At the end of November, the squad will stay in North Carolina and play in the Bull City Classic. They will play at Coastal Christian’s Christmas tournament and then make a quick trip to Charlotte for the Dell Curry Shootout.