Pena ready to run
He is still trying to command the English language but Dago Pena , a 6-foot-6, 200-pound wing from Charlotte High School in Punta Gorda, Fla., has one word in mind when it comes to finding a college home.
Horses.
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"I love the fast break. I want to get out and run like a horse," Pena said. "I like to run all the time. I never stop. I like to get the ball, run up the floor and score or dunk or make the pass. I want to play with some horses."
If you haven't figured it out yet, Pena is South Florida's version of Forrest Gump. The kid just loves running.
"I love making plays," Pena said in his improving English.
Coaches from Memphis, Miami, Ole Miss, Pittsburgh, Virginia Commonwealth and Western Kentucky have been in to see Pena run this year. Pena is also being recruited by Clemson, George Mason, Kansas State, SMU, Western Michigan and Wichita State.
"I want to find a team that runs just like me," Pena said.
Imagine that.
"I know I can't go somewhere and fix everything," he said. "I want to find a place that fits me and the way that I play."
The Dominican Republic native said he'd like to play in the Sunshine State if at all possible.
"I'd like to stay in Florida and go to Miami or Florida or Florida State. I'd like that very much," Pena said. "But I want to go to a good college so if I have to leave, I'll leave."
Those close to Pena say he's a quality mid-major plus player right now that would fit in nicely for a CAA program or an Atlantic 10 school. Pena said he realizes the enormity of playing big on the AAU circuit for the Florida Rams this spring and summer in order to expand his options.
"This is very important summer for me," Pena said. "It is my last summer to get schools to offer me. I know I have to work everyday and play hard. I want to play good in the summer so I can decide on where I want to go."
You better believe he'll be running to get there.