UTEP reels in another quality prospect

After recently landing two three-star 2007 prospect, the UTEP basketball program has now added the No. 120 ranked prospect in the Rivals150 Manuel Cass. Once a DePaul commitment before reclassifying, Cass took a different approach to his recruitment the second time around.

"This time around Manuel was less concerned about the name on the jersey and more concerned about the situation he would be in," said South Kent head coach Raphael Chillious about his 6-foot-7, 215-pound small forward. "I think he knew he wanted to play for UTEP before his visit, and the visit only confirmed what he was thinking."

Continuing to improve his shooting range, Cass can be very dangerous at the small forward position for the Miners.

"Manuel is a legit three man," said Chillious. "He can be an x-factor for a team if the opponent doesn't put a top defender on him. He is a smart player, can slash to the basket and he is shooting the three with confidence and consistency."

This summer, Cass, who is originally from Carbondale, Ill., played an integral role in the success of the Illinois Warriors travel team.

Manuel Cass:

His playmaking abilities with the ball still need improving, but he is solid with the ball and can knock down a shot. As a small forward, he is a very good rebounder and is able to operate down low against smaller defenders.