Grant Selects NC State

Having Julius Hodge already in the North Carolina State basketball program was a big positive for Herb Sendek's team when it came to Gavin Grant making a college decision. The 6-foot-7 small forward/shooting guard from St. Raymond's High School selected North Carolina State over Pittsburgh this afternoon, according to St. Raymond's head coach Oliver Antigua.

"Julius spoke very highly of coach Sendek and the program at NC State," Antigua said. "It helped that someone like Julius has already been in the program and knew what to expect. So it certainly was a plus."

Grant, who is among the top players in the 2004 class, has the ability to take the ball to the basket and score and also drop down jumpers. He also comes from one of the country's top high school programs in St. Raymond's in the Bronx, New York.

Grant had a very good summer playing for the New York Ravens. He had several other programs interested in him as the summer began including Syracuse, Kentucky, Villanova, Louisville, Georgetown, Iowa State, and Connecticut. By the time September rolled around, Grant had settled in on North Carolina State or Pittsburgh.

"He chose NC State this afternoon," Antigua said. "It was a tough decision. Both schools are great programs."

Antigua added: "Gavin can play multiple positions. He will fit into coach Sendek's style of play. He is another piece of the puzzle added to NC State."