Rattler basketball inks eight to scholarships

The FAMU men's basketball program recently released details of the school's 2008 recruiting class. The eight-man group features seven high school recruits and one junior college player, which will provide depth for 2008-09 and beyond.

Harris also lauded both the athletic and academic credentials of his inaugural recruiting class, all eight of whom have qualified fully in the classroom, which was a determining factor in their recruitment.

Here are briefs on each of the 2008 Rattler basketball recruits:

Cecil Bent, 6-9, 290, F-C, Swainsboro (Ga.) HS: Bent was an integral part of the 2007-08 state Class 3-2A Region Champions. In 2008, Bent averaged 14 points per game with 8 rebounds. He was a member of the 2008 Region 3-AA Champions.

Brandon Bryant, 6-3, 170, G, Snead State (Ala.) Community College via (Tuscaloosa, Ala.) Hillcrest HS: In 2008, Bryant led his team in scoring, averaging more than 14 points a game and more than 16 points a game in conference play.

Isaac Brown, 6-3 180, PG, South Miami HS: 3rd Team All-Dade. 4.0 GPA. Father, Isaac Sr. played at FAMU, as did his grandfather, Rattler Sports Hall of Famer Leroy "Spike" Gibson.

David Buchanon, 6-1, 190, PG, Portal (Ga.) HS: Lost in the fourth round of the 3-1A state playoffs. Buchanon was a candidate for the state player of the year and made the 1st Team 3-1A All-state Team and was voted the 3-1A Senior of the Year.

Yannick Crowder, 6-8, 215, Stone Mountain (Ga.) Redan HS: This post player will make his presence felt inside with his shot-blocking and rebounding ability.

Dale Hughes, 6-2 200, SG, Columbus (Miss.) New Hope HS: Hughes, a 6-2 sharp-shooter, helped New Hope win the 2008 Class 4A state championship. Hughes was also considering Southern Miss and Okaloosa-Walton Community College in Niceville. Hughes played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game and was chosen to The Commercial Dispatch All-Area first team.

Demario James, 6-6, 180, F, LeFlore (Ala.) HS: Lost in the AHSAA Final Four. "His best basketball is ahead of him," LeFlore coach Otis Hughley said of James. "He's going to be really special in the years to come."

Dunnell Webb, 6-5, SG/F, Thomasville (Ga.) HS: Led the Bulldogs on the hard court for the last four seasons, ontributing to an undefeated 2006-2007 regular season and a state championship appearance in March 2006.