Yarou to Big East

Five-star prospect Mouphtaou Yarou made a giant splash on the travel team circuit this year. Today Yarou, a 6-foot-9, 210-pound power forward attending Rockville (Md.) Montrose Christian, is making a splash with a commitment to a Big East School.

Yarou, the No. 14 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, chose Villanova over interest from Georgetown, UConn, UCLA, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Vanderbilt and Providence amongst others.

Being the first high major school to pursue Yarou along with its glaring need for a quality big man were the two reasons Villanova landed Yarou.

"Villanova was the big school who contacted me first," said Yarou, who is a native of Benin. "They saw me play and offered me. Also, they really don't have a big guy, so they need a post player. I'll also have a chance to play with good guards like Corey Fisher. Guards like that can help me play better."

Yarou also spoke about what Villanova can do for him off the court.

"It is a school that can help me be a good man and a smarter person. I can live a good life after school with a diploma from there."

Yarou joins five-star Maalik Wayns and four-star Isaiah Armwood as 2009 Villanova commitments, giving the Wildcats one of the top 2009 recruiting classes at this stage.

Mouphtaou Yarou scouting report:

A physical specimen, Yarou runs the floor extremely well and has an athletic presence around the basket. Adept at scoring with his back to the basket, Yarou also has the ability to make plays facing the basket. His combination of a broad skill package, athleticism and strong motor make him a high level prospect with intriguing upside.