After being unable to meet Richmond's early deadline to academically qualify with the NCAA Clearinghouse, 2005 prospect Jose Garcia has found a new school for the 2005-2006 season in The College of Charleston.

"The people at Charleston were just amazing," said Garcia, a 6-foot-5 wing player who went to high school at Anee's-Belfield High School in Charlottesville, Va. "I had a great visit there. I've never seen a coaching staff with as much enthusiasm and commitment to the program. I was able to meet the president of the school, and he is committed to basketball as a number one priority of the school.

"Charleston was in the top 25 several years ago, and I'd love to help them get back to that status. We have an amazing home court advantage. After everything I experienced there, I'd be a fool not to go to school there."

Experiencing a change in plans is not a new occurrence for Garcia. A native of Angola, Garcia's father and mother were murdered during political strife when he was a young child. Garcia then went to school in Belgium before moving to the United States to study and play basketball.

He plans to double major in International Business and Political Science and aspires to one day return to Angola and enter the world of politics to carry on the work of his father, who was also in politics.

With plenty of time now to obtain the necessary academic transcript from his Belgium high school, Garcia has no worries about qualifying by the start of the season.

"Moving again will be more difficult than qualifying," said Garcia with a laugh.