Post by knvb141 on Oct 15, 2011 10:34:19 GMT -5
dyer article
Matthew Hatfield
VirginiaPreps.com Basketball Analyst
Deep Run (Glen Allen, VA) 6-foot-7 forward Lucas Dyer wasn't a household name in the Central Region last season and would fit the description of a late bloomer. He started to gain steam towards the end of his junior season, and carried that over into the off-season on the AAU circuit playing for Team Loaded. Colleges began to notice him and see plenty of promise and potential, which led to Division I programs getting involved on the recruiting front.
On Sunday, Dyer became the first Class of 2012 basketball prospect from the Colonial District to give a verbal commitment. Following his upcoming senior season with the Wildcats, Dyer will play his College Hoops for Coach Mike Jones and the Radford Highlanders of the Big South Conference.
"I selected Radford because it's a great school and I can easily see myself there in a year. I also like the basketball side and I'm excited to work with Coach Jones and his assistants," Dyer told VirginiaPreps.com.
Dyer also held an offer from UNC Greensboro and was receiving interest from such schools as James Madison, Appalachian State, College of Charleston, Coastal Carolina, Army and Fairfield. He's a skilled forward, solid passer and can occasionally stretch the defense now that he's starting to develop both consistency and touch on his jumper.
Lean and long with a wingspan that enables him to rebound and block shots, Dyer averaged roughly eight points and eight rebounds per game last season as a junior for Deep Run. His best game of the season came at the end of the year in postseason play. In the opening round of the Central Region Tournament against Central Region Champion and eventual Group AAA State Runner-Up L.C. Bird, Dyer scored 21 points in a losing effort.
"I hope to bring energy to the program and everything I can offer," noted Dyer. "I think Radford liked my size, my presence on defense and my ability to shoot the mid-range jumper. I can see myself at the forward spot at Radford, playing both inside and outside."
Jones, who replaces Brad Greenberg, comes to Radford after previously serving as an assistant coach at VCU. He inherits a team that finished 5-24 overall and 2-16 in conference play a season ago. Prior to that though, the Highlanders did enjoy back-to-back winning seasons, reaching the NCAA Tournament in March of 2009.
Although Deep Run has to replace its leading scorer in swingman Evan Jackson (Randolph-Macon) from last year's team, expectations in year two under Coach Curt Kassab should be even higher. A total of 11 players are back for Deep Run, and another trip to the Central Region playoffs seems imminent.
"I am very excited for my senior year at Deep Run," said Dyer. "We have been working to build our program and I think this year will be one to remember."
Nice find! I'm excited to see what he can do his senior year and see if he can become "the man" down low.