Giles Makes Decision

DeVonne Giles, a hardworking and skilled 6-8, 230 pound power forward from Seward County C.C. in Liberal, Kan., committed to Texas Tech. He had also taken a couple of visits, including trips to Kansas State and Arkansas.

Giles' visit to the Manhattan based Big 12 school lasted from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1, as the Wildcats gridiron squad opened its 2002 football campaign against Western Kentucky.

Seward County Asst. Coach Swede Trenkle this week told us that Giles finished his visit to Texas Tech from September 20th-22nd. Head coach Dave Brown, told us last night, "He picked Texas Tech over Kansas State and Arkansas. Obviously, he is looking forward to playing in Coach Knight's system. He enjoyed the environment and the players. Plus he has a great chance to play right away."

Giles was one of the top performers in the rugged Jayhawk Conference a year ago, averaging 13.8 points and 10.9 rebounds for Dave Brown's Saints program that reached the Region VI title game in March. "He can step out in Bob Knight's offense and shot it, plus he can score around the basket," Brown said. "He is the type of player that they want to recruit into their program."

A native of Newark, N.J., Giles led Shabazz H.S. to a runner-up finish in the New Jersey Tournament of Champions in March 2001. Shabazz lost to Bob Hurley's legendary St. Anthony H.S. program in the finale.

Giles didn't skip a beat last year at Seward. Although he's not a great athlete, Giles has long arms and a knack for rebounding the ball in traffic. He also sports a reliable low post game with his back to the basket and can step out for the occasional short to midrange jumper.