Kirk taking game to ACC

Donnovan Kirk is leaving the snow for the sunshine. The 6-foot-7, 210-pound power forward from Detroit (Mich.) Country Day is off the board.

The four-star junior verbally committed to the Miami Hurricanes on Monday, according to his AAU coach Speedy Walker of The Family.

"Coach [Frank] Haith was there from the start. He was the first head coach to show him interest and did as much as he legally could do from the very beginning," Walker said. "He built a relationship with Donnovan himself and I think that was the most important thing."

Kirk is coming off a strong weekend in Akron at the King James Shooting Stars Classic where he was the most consistent player on The Family. He worked well in the low blocks and continues to improve on his skill set.

Walker said Kirk is a major score for the Hurricanes.

"His upside is just huge," Walker said. "He's got a chance to be a special player in college. I tell you, he reminds me a lot of Al Horford at this same stage. He's coachable, his demeanor is the same. All Donnovan has to do is keep growing and getting stronger. He's going to be a good player down there."

The Hurricanes has also landed Villanova transfer Malcolm Grant for the incoming 2009 class.