Spiders Recruit Flying High

A.D. Vassallo, a 6-foot-6, 203-pound small forward / shooting guard from Faith Christian Academy in Hurt, Va., signed with Richmond in the fall even though after he made his oral commitment, a number of "bigger" programs were very interested in having him visit. Since he had developed a very good relationship with Spiders Coach Jerry Wainwright, the young man from Toa Baja, Puerto Rico (in the San Juan area) wasn't about to consider changing his decision.

That's the type of person Vassallo is. RivalsHoops.com spoke with him at this past weekend's West Virginia Showcase at Shepherd College. Vassallo comes across as someone very comfortable with his situation. He also gets along with his teammates even though he's "the star."

His decision to come to FCA is one of the best things that has happened to Head Coach Rich Lambert.

Vassallo can do everything on the court. He has a very good outside shot, including from three-point range; he can handle the ball, many times as a point forward; plays strong defense; rebounds and blocks shots; and, is the leader on the court. "I'm working on my perimeter defense," he stated, obviously looking ahead to UR.

Coach Lambert said Vassallo was averaging 25.0 points, 8.8 rebounds and three assists and three blocks this season. Vassallo averaged 15.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists, 2.5 blocks and 2.5 steals at this two-game event.

"When I made the decision to commit to Richmond, I was also considering Virginia Tech, Providence and N.C. State," Vassallo said. "I was really impressed with Coach Wainwright. He watched me practice on a Friday and Sunday. We talked a lot too. And he offered the scholarship even without see me in a game," Vassallo added.

About his decision to attend Faith Christian three years ago, Vassallo said, "It had to be God who sent me here. Was either going to be Philly of Virginia. I feel like I'm with family here." Coach Lambert smiled broadly and repeated the Godsend impact. A.D. previously attended the Disciples of God High School in Puerto Rico.

Another reason that Vassallo selected Richmond was its location. "The school is in Virginia," he said, "My second home. And I really like the setting. Trees and all. And they've won over 20 games two of the last three years," he added.

Vassallo's father played basketball for 17 years in Puerto Rico.

This past summer, he didn't take part in the July recruiting events since he played with the Puerto Rico National Team at the Global Games. Though they ended up in sixth place, Vassallo said, "It was a great experience."

Deciding to represent his country kept Vassallo under the radar for a lot of coaches. Faith Christian is in south central Virginia, west of Roanoke and south of Lynchburg. Events like this inaugural West Virginia tournament help the recruiting of Faith Christian players as well as those from similar schools.

Vassallo did not make the final cut for Virginia nominations to the McDonald's All-America Game, something that roused assistant coach Kell Stone.

"I don't understand how A.D. didn't make the list of 70 players when he's already been invited to participate in the post-season Commonwealth Games," Stone said. "There will be 20 players in that game. How could he be good enough for that, yet not be in the top 70?" the coach asked rhetorically.

Summer recruiting provides events that allow college coaches to see a lot of players. The September recruiting period was eliminated for Division I coaches by the NCAA a couple years ago. And the April period was restricted last year. Recruiting isn't easy especially for schools that aren't in one of the BCS conferences.