Three VCU recruits ink Letters of Intent

Wednesday was the first day of the early signing period and all three of VCU’s 2013 recruits inked their commitments with letters of intent.

November 16, 2012; 10:22 AM • by Aaron Williams

Wednesday was the first day of the early signing period and all three of VCU’s 2013 recruits inked their commitments with letters of intent. The combined talents of JeQuan Lewis, Jairus Lyles, and Antravious Simmons add up to be one of Coach Shaka Smart’s most exciting classes at VCU.

JeQuan Lewis, the first recruit in the 2013 class, is a 6-foot-1 point guard out of Dickson County High School in Dickson, Tennessee. A three-star recruit, Lewis averaged 19.6 PPG, 3.9 SPG, and 3.7 APG during his junior campaign. “JeQuan is a very talented point guard who has all the makings of someone who can excel at the position in our program,” Smart said. “Specifically, his quickness and ability to change speeds will allow him to thrive in our system.”

Jairus Lyles, another three-star recruit, is a 6-foot-1 shooting guard from the legendary DeMatha Catholic High School. Lyles averaged 11 PPG and 3 APG during his junior season on a loaded roster that included BeeJay Anya, Jerami Grant, and Stanford Robinson. Lyles has developed his basketball skills in an elite high school program and an elite AAU program and he has already experienced what it takes to compete at the highest level. “Jarius is an explosive scorer who can play either guard position. His ability to create his own shot and pressure the ball defensively make him an ideal fit for our style,” Smart said.

VCU wrapped up its 2013 recruiting class with a much needed big man. 6-foot-9 Antravious Simmons averaged 26 PPG and 15 RPG during his junior season at South Miami Senior High School. He should be able to keep up with HAVOC! and the Ram’s athletic guards because he can run the floor very well for someone of his size. Simmons will have one year to play alongside and learn from then seniors Juvonte Reddic and DJ Haley. “Tre possesses a great body and doesn’t mind using it,” Smart said. “He carves out space and seals extremely well around the basket. He also possesses very good skill and touch for a big man. His ability to finish around the basket makes him a great addition to our frontcourt.”

As VCU grows in national stature and Coach Smart gains more experience recruiting, VCU’s recruits will not only get more talented, but they will commit earlier. Smart locked up his 2013 class well before the early signing period, and now he has the luxury of exclusively working on the class of 2014. Now that VCU is the Atlantic 10, Smart has the opportunity to elevate his recruiting even further.