The good news keeps on coming for Rutgers. The four-man recruiting class featuring McDonald’s All-American Mike Rosario of St. Anthony was ranked No. 30 nationally by Rivals.com. I interviewed future Rutgers center Greg Echenique of St. Benedict’s Prep earlier this month before he left for his native Venezuela to play with his national U18 team in the upcoming FIBA Championships. You can read the full story here at Rivals High.
In other college notes…
**Keith Sargeant has the story on how former Rutgers radio announcer Bruce Johnson was replaced by Chris Carlin of WFAN, a blow to many RU fans..
**Speaking of Rutgers, the Journal News reports that Mount Vernon may slash its athletic programs.This would mark the end of a historic program, as Coach Bob Cimmino’s program has produced two current RU players, rising sophomore Mike Coburn and Florida transfer Jonathan Mitchell.
Mount Vernon’s basketball program has won eight state and four federation titles. Former Mount Vernon basketball stars include Ben Gordon, now playing for the Chicago Bulls, as well as Gus Williams, Earl Tatum, and Scooter and Rodney McCray.
**In UConn news, Rivals reports that 2009 center Daniel Orton will take five visits, including one to UConn.
“I will take all five official visits before I make my final decision,” the 6-10 Orton told Rivals. “Kansas, Kentucky, Ohio State and Connecticut are the schools I plan to officially visit. I don’t know what school I will visit for my final visit, but I definitely plan to visit these schools.”Also, UConn‘s trustees have approved a 10-year, $46 million contract with Nike Inc. USA for an exclusive sponsorship deal.
UConn’s athletic director says the sports apparel and gear company will provide all of the varsity teams with uniforms, apparel, footwear, practice gear and equipment with a retail value of $31 million and pay the balance in cash.