Barry Larkin's kid commits to DePaul

[Pakuni]

Looks like a pretty good get, though I have to wonder about his status as a Top 100 player if his best offers, besides DePaul, were from Colorado, Central Florida and South Florida.

http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/news/story?id=5706344&campaign=rss&source=ESPNUHeadlines

CHICAGO -- Shane Larkin, son of former Cincinnati Reds star Barry Larkin, committed to DePaul as first-year coach Oliver Purnell made his first major recruiting splash.

Larkin, a 5-11 guard out of Orlando, Fla., is ranked 98th overall in the Class of 2011 by ESPN Scouts, Inc. and the 20th best point guard. He's DePaul's biggest recruit since Mac Koshwal and Dar Tucker came in together in 2007.

"I think it's an excellent signing," ESPN Scouts, Inc. recruiting coordinator Reggie Rankin said. "I think it's a kid that can help him. He'll be able to open the door and attract other high-level guys. Not only do they have a top-100 kid, but he's from Florida. I think other kids will take notice."

Purnell began his recruiting process by connecting with the Chicago area and attracted two of its best athletes in Jamie Crockett and Macari Brooks for its Class of 2011.

"Oliver Purnell does a nice job recruiting," Rankin said. "They have experienced recruiters in assistant Brian Ellerbe and their staff. Not only do they have connections in Illinois, but throughout the country."

Larkin also considered Colorado, Central Florida and South Florida.

He averaged 19 points, five assists, five rebounds and three steals last season.

"He's smart," Rankin said. "He's really quick and fast with the ball. He's tough. He compete and he can score. He can shoot the 3. He has a great little floater in the lane.

"What he does is he gets in the lane and draw defenders and kicks out. He's a true point guard you have to defend. He'll burn you if you don't guard him."

[bma725]

Looks like a pretty good get, though I have to wonder about his status as a Top 100 player if his best offers, besides DePaul, were from Colorado, Central Florida and South Florida.

Those weren't his best offers, those are just the other three schools that made up his final four choices.  He had offers from quite a few BCS programs besides those mentioned....Iowa, Boston College, Clemson, Ole Miss, Florida State, Penn State, Alabama, and others I'm forgetting.  Heck, MU took a look at him for quite a long period of time.