Family Links Head Hodges East

Michael Knight, a heady 6-foot-3, 180-pound combo guard from Seattle Prep in Washington, could have taken all of his planned official visits. But doing so would have delayed his signing into the spring. So once he returned home from his first pair of trips, he felt good enough about things with one school to make a final decision.

"I've signed with Maryland-Baltimore County," said Knight. "I thought it was the best fit for me. I had narrowed it down to UMBC, William & Mary, Boston University, and Rutgers. I took a couple of visits, came back and thought that no other school could top UMBC. I liked the coaches, the facilities - it was the best fit for me."

UMBC was Knight's first official visit in the process (William & Mary was the second). Knight could have taken official visits to Boston University and Rutgers, but they would have extended the process beyond the signing period. So once he returned to Seattle from his second trip this past weekend, Knight decided that he felt good enough about UMBC to make the commitment.

Obviously, Baltimore is a long ways from Seattle on the other side of the country. Knight doesn't have too many concerns about the distance.

"All of my family is in North Carolina, New York, and New Jersey," said Knight. "My mom and dad are from the East too, so we have some links back to the East Coast."

In Seattle Prep's offense, Knight plays both point and shooting guard, and feels comfortable at both positions. Capable of hitting the three or driving to the hole, Knight has a fairly complete offensive game. However, Knight is taking nothing for granted and is still looking to improve his game for the next level.

"I feel you're never at your best and that you can always work hard to reach your potential," said Knight. "So lifting weights, shooting, ball-handling - I'm working on everything to be the best player I can be in college."

Knight and Brian Hodges, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound shooting guard from Bishop McNamara High School in Upper Marlboro, Md., are UMBC's first two signees in the fall signing period.

Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com