Grant Getting Interest At The Highest Level

Gavin Grant is a player in the class of 2004 whose name has not yet gained national renown. That should change this summer.

The 6'7'' 190 pound swingman from St. Raymond's High School in The Bronx, New York, turned in a stellar performance in leading the Ravens to a 77-61 victory over Bishop Loughlin in the CHSAA quarterfinals at Iona College on Wednesday, scoring 19 points to go along with nine rebounds and shooting 2 of 2 behind the arc. His game is intriguing for a number of reasons, and programs at the highest level have taken notice.

Grant recently took an official visit to Pittsburgh. He has also taken an unofficial visit to Richmond, where his old high school coach, Gary DeCesare, is an assistant. Others who are giving Grant hard looks include Villanova and North Carolina State. Villanova assistant Fred Hill was on hand Wednesday night checking out Grant. North Carolina State has also been in to evaluate Grant in the last couple of weeks.

"He is being recruited by most of the Big East, and a couple of schools in the ACC," said St. Raymond's coach Oliver Antigua.

Grant's ball-handling ability at 6'7'' is probably what makes him most intriguing. He ran the point for stretches for Antigua on Wednesday night. Grant is not only a competent ball-handler, but he can shed defenders with his cross-over, showing the quickness of a guard. Gavin slashes for points, and has shown that he is pretty consistent shooting the ball, as well. He can hit the three, and is reliable from mid-range.

Grant, with his wiry frame, will ultimately have to add strength for the next level. His on-the-ball defense needs to be more consistent, but it seems like more effort needs to be applied, because he has good lateral quickness for a player of his size. Grant has a spidery reach and gets his hands on a lot of balls in the Ravens' presses.

"He's a stat sheet stuffer," said Antigua. "He does a lot of things well for us."

Grant is peaking at the right time in his season. He has posted quality performances in back-to-back games against Rice and Loughlin.

"I think he's got his confidence going right now," said Antigua. "He wants to be one of the premier players (in New York City) next year."

Grant will attend the ABCD camp and travel with the New York Ravens this summer. He'll be sure to elicit a lot more interest.

Grant is a player with top-50 type potential in his class.