The University of Miami picked up its first basketball commitment for its 2010 class late Monday night when guard Rion Brown, a standout at Georgia's Hinesville Liberty County High, called coach Frank Haith to tell him to save him a scholarship.
Brown, a 6-5, 190-pound shooting guard, is the son of CBA all-time leading scorer Tico Brown. He's ranked 44th in the Rivals.com Top 150 and ranked the 22nd-best swingman in the country according to Scout.com.
Brown said the allure of playing in the ACC and for a coach who helped Jack McClinton reach the NBA was what pulled him toward Miami and away from Georgia, Virginia and Alabama.
"The ACC is what drew me there,'' Brown said. "It's one of the best conferences in the game. Playing for a guy like coach Haith, who has helped three guards reach the league, is always great. I watched Miami closely last year and could see Jack getting better. That's what did it for me.''
Brown made a name for himself this summer playing with for the Worldwide Renegades -- the same team that produced Hurricanes sophomore guard Dequan Jones.
Brown said UM assistant Jake Morton first offered him a scholarship in May and that after meeting Haith in July he moved UM into his final four. Brown averaged 15 points and five rebounds a game during his junior year. He expects to sign with Miami in March and will visit UM's campus on the weekend of Oct. 3rd.
"I can't wait to see the campus,'' Brown said. "I was down there for the Breakdown Festival and really liked South Florida. It's a beautiful place.''
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Posted by: Daryel | August 03, 2009 at 11:39 PM
that is one smooth jumpshot.
Posted by: Nate | August 03, 2009 at 11:51 PM
Great get by Coach Haith!
Posted by: canes to the ship | August 03, 2009 at 11:53 PM
Thanks for the Post Manny! Looks like a great pick up. Haith always knows how to bring in the talent, lets hope they can put it together and have a solid year.
Posted by: Kentucky-Cane | August 04, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Thanks Manny for the info and in depth info than just whats on SCOUT/RIVALS
Welcome to DA U Mr Brown
Posted by: Hurricane Moe | August 04, 2009 at 12:26 AM
The kid has a nice stroke.
Great pick up for the Canes!
Posted by: Grad Cane 09 | August 04, 2009 at 12:53 AM
Welcome to the U, Rion!
That's a silky smooth shot, judging by the video clip. Looks like a great get by Coach Haith.
Posted by: OrangeCane | August 04, 2009 at 12:15 PM
Great get for the U. Basketball program is growing stronger and deeper every year now...
Posted by: Nick | August 04, 2009 at 11:31 PM