Even though several high major schools were recruiting Jose Garcia, the No. 97 ranked player in the class of 2005 has ended his recruitment with a commitment to Richmond. Garcia, a 6-foot-5, 196-pound shooting guard from Anee’s-Belfield High School in Charlottesville, Virginia, knew he had found the perfect college after his official visit with the Spiders.

“It was just an incredible visit,” said Garcia. “Even though a lot of other schools were still recruiting me like Florida State, Michigan State, Louisville, and Vanderbilt, I just knew that Richmond had everything I wanted in a school.”

“On of the main things was the confidence I felt in Coach Wainwright. He was able to talk to me as a person and just as a coach. He is one of those rare human beings left who really cares about people, even from the way he shakes your hand and looks you in the eyes.”

Garcia was also impressed with the need that the Richmond program had for him.

“Richmond did not just want me. They need me,” said Garcia. “And that means a lot to me that I will need to step in right away and prove myself. They want me to be a strong shooting guard and slide over some to play the point.”

Garcia had taken an official visit to Pennsylvania and an unofficial visit to Georgetown. An upcoming visit to Valparaiso has been cancelled.

Prior to spending most of his life in Belgium, Garcia was born in Angola, and in June he will tryout with two other players for the last spot on the Angola National Team which will play in the Olympics later this summer.

If he makes the team, he will be the first high school player to ever play on the Angola team, which has won six out of the last seven African Championships. This opportunity was a factor in Garcia’s quick decision.

Extremely excited about his opportunity to study International Business and Relations and play basketball for Coach Wainwright, Garcia is optimistic about the future of the Richmond basketball program.

“Richmond basketball is getting ready to explode,” he said. “We are going to be the Gonzaga of the south.”