High Majors Pursue JUCO PF

DeVonne Giles, a 6-8, 228 pound power forward from Seward County C.C. in Liberal, Kan., has many high majors pursuing him this summer.

Seward Asst. Coach Swede Trenkle informed JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com that Texas Tech, Seton Hall, Illinois, South Florida, Kansas State and Iowa State have shown the most interest in Giles thus far.

"His biggest interest right now is in Texas Tech, Seton Hall and South Florida," Trenkle said. "Texas Tech has probably worked harder than anybody -- they love him."

In fact, Trenkle said that Giles is slated to officially visit Texas Tech in September. Some of the coaches who came out this past season and spring to look at Giles include Seton Hall Head Coach Louis Orr, Texas Tech Head Coach Bobby Knight, South Florida Head Coach Seth Greenberg and Illinois Asst. Coach Norm Roberts.

Illinois got a commitment this spring from 6-9 Dallas H.S. product Warren Carter, and Trenkle said he wasn't sure how this might affect the Illini's recruitment of Giles.

A product of Shabazz H.S. in Newark, N.J., Giles enjoyed a banner freshman campaign for Head Coach Dave Brown's perennial Jayhawk West power. He averaged 13.8 points and 10.9 rebounds per game in one of the top junior college leagues in the country.

Despite not being a great athlete, Giles is blessed with long arms and a tremendous knack for rebounding the ball. He's also got a solid set of low post skills, thanks to a decent pair of mitts, good footwork and a soft touch.

Giles will be one of the top junior college players in the Class of 2003, and we will keep you posted on his recruitment in the months to come, so stay tuned.