Four-star Vinson shuns power conferences again

After exploring four different schools after receiving his release from Loyola-Marymount, four-star prospect Terrell Vinson has found his fit in the Atlantic-10.

Charlotte, Cincinnati and Maryland came up short to Massachusetts when Vinson committed to the Minutemen last night.

For the same reason that originally signed with Loyola-Marymount, Vinson is now with Massachusetts. It came down to a strong relationship with the head coach.

"I've been building a strong relationship with DK (UMass head coach Derrick Kellogg)," said Vinson, a 6-foot-6, 200-pound forward from Baltimore (Md.) St. Frances High School. "He was recruiting me at Memphis the first time around. Then when I was released he started recruiting me again at UMass. I visited up there, and liked the school. It was nice."

UMass, which was the only school Vinson visited during the second phase of his recruitment, also attracted Vinson with its style of play.

"I like the style of offense they run," Vinson said about the Dribble Drive Offense. "I can fit in good with the offense, and it is going to get me better for the next level."

Vinson, who is the No. 90 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, averaged 24 points and 10 rebounds per game this year.

He is the fifth prospect in UMass' 2009 recruiting class, joining three-star prospects Sampson Carter, Javon Farrell, Freddie Riley and Raphael Putney.