ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, June 30, 1996 TAG: 9607010129
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
THE HOKIES' 1995-96 basketball recruiting class could make an immediate impact on the court.
In many respects, Virginia Tech's incoming men's basketball recruiting class reminds coach Bill Foster of the one it replaces.
There aren't many - or any - Top 100 prospects in the class, but it is a group with decent size, scoring ability and a variety of skills.
Toss in Andre Ray, a 6-foot-5, 227-pound freshman who was redshirted this past season, and it is conceivable that all five players could be on the floor at the same time.
``I like our class, particularly if [Rolan] Roberts makes it,'' Foster said. ``It's one of those good, nucleus-building classes. You just keep adding a little bit here and a little bit there for the next couple of years.
``Out of those five kids, if you include Andre, I think three or four will be `long-termers.' Andre might be the best athlete on our team. If you call him up right now, I bet he's either working on his game or lifting weights.''
The Hokies expect to hear something this week on the academic status of Roberts, a 6-6, 225-pounder from Potomac High School, the 1995 Group AAA champion.
Already qualified are 6-3 Brendan Dunlop from the Bronx, N.Y.; 6-8 Russ Wheeler from Marietta, Ga.; and 6-7 Jesus Rodriguez from Levittown, Puerto Rico, by way of Hargrave Military Academy.
Tech's first need was for a pure point guard and, when it became increasingly likely that fall signee Nathaniel Bailey would not qualify, Foster jumped at Dunlop. He could start for three years after Troy Manns completes his eligibility.
The Hokies could have used two post players, preferably 6-10 or bigger, but Foster thinks Wheeler could be an impact player. His father, who played college ball, is 6-7. His mother is 6-4.
``I know bigger is better, but I think the Wheeler kid could grow into a great player,'' Foster said. ``He's not a guy you'll have to get off the 3-point line. In a year with [strength coach] Mike Gentry, he's going to look like Godzilla.
``Jesus is a no-position player. He could stand to be a little stronger, but he can go out and burn somebody with 3s. He's so thin, but, heck, so was Marcus Camby.''
If Roberts does not qualify, the Hokies might offer a scholarship to high-scoring Shawn Tann from Southampton High School. If not, Tann will go to Hargrave and likely join Bailey in Tech's 1996-97 recruiting class.
LENGTH: Medium: 52 linesby CNB