Nov. 21, 2007
COLUMBIA, Mo. -
University of Missouri Head Coach Mike Anderson announced the signing of six student-athletes to national letters of intent on Wednesday. The second-year Tiger head coach announced that Laurence Bowers (Memphis, Tenn. / St. George's), Marcus Denmon (Kansas City, Mo. / Hogan Prep), Kimmie English (Baltimore, Md. / Randlestown H.S. / Notre Dame Prep.), Steve Moore (Independence, Mo. / Truman H.S.), Miguel Paul (Lakeland, Fla. / Kathleen H.S.) and Keith Ramsey (Murfreesboro, Tenn. / Okaloosa-Walton C.C.) each signed to play for Mizzou beginning with the 2008-09 campaign.
"With this large class we believe we have addressed many of our needs and I really want to commend my staff for the excellent work they did recruiting these young men to come play for us. This class has a chance to be special. Each player is a piece to the puzzle and you have to find the right pieces to fit your program, not just on the basketball court, but from a character aspect. Our staff spent a great deal of time recruiting these young men, getting to know them on a personal level, and we feel like we are adding six outstanding young men to our family.
"Each of these young men are from winning programs and they all have been taught and coached well. We are excited about this class here in Tigerland."
Overall, the Tigers signed five high school standouts (Bowers, Denmon, English, Moore and Paul) and one junior college performer, the versatile Ramsey, to join the program next season. Recruiting expert Van Coleman of HoopMasters.com has Mizzou's talented class ranked No. 2 in the Big 12 Conference and No. 18 nationally.
Keith Ramsey
Murfreesboro, Tenn. / Siegel H.S. / Okaloosa-Walton College
6-foot-9, 210 pounds - Small Forward
A 6-foot-9, 210-pound forward, Ramsey is ranked as one of the nation's premiere junior college players by JucoJunction.com after averaging 11.2 points, 7.4 rebounds, 3.0 assists, 1.7 blocks and 1.6 steals for Okaloosa-Walton College last season as a freshman. The well-rounded Ramsey earned first team All-Panhandle Conference honors (same conference as current Tiger point guard Stefhon Hannah) and led head coach Bruce Stewart's club to a 23-5 record. A preseason junior college All-American, Ramsey has the Raiders off to a 3-1 start to the 2007-08 season and is averaging 13.5 points, 9.0 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 3.0 blocks and 2.0 steals per game, which includes an 18-point, 10-rebound, five-assist and four-steal effort in a 93-58 win over Lurleen B. Wallace College in the season opener. Anderson and his staff have had great success with players from Okaloosa-Walton College, as they signed brothers Ronell and Donell Taylor during their tenure at UAB and Donell Taylor was a two-year member of the Washington Wizards.
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Prior to his time at Okaloosa-Walton, Ramsey was a standout for Siegel High School in Murfreesboro, Tenn., where he led his team to a 59-12 mark over his final two seasons, including back-to-back appearances in the Tennessee Class AAA State Championships. A big-game performer, Ramsey averaged 16.0 points and 9.3 boards in three state tournament games and led his high school to the Class AAA Final Four in 2005. A first team all-state selection as a senior (by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association), Ramsey averaged 16.2 points and 11.4 rebounds after recovering from a knee injury early in his senior campaign.
"Keith has the size, skill-level and versatility to hopefully become an impact player for us. We have known Keith since he was in high school and know what he brings to the table. He's got a lot of tools. He can run, defend, rebound, pass and score the basketball and we like that versatility, especially in a post player. Again, character is important and Keith is a tremendous young man and we are excited he chose to be a Tiger."
Ramsey chose Missouri over offers from Arkansas and his hometown university, Middle Tennessee State.
Miguel Paul
Lakeland, Fla. / Kathleen H.S.
6-foot-1, 170 pounds - Point Guard
Paul comes to Mizzou as a three-year starter at Kathleen High School in Lakeland, Fla. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound lead guard was listed the No. 13 point guard recruit in America by ESPN.com and the 102nd-ranked recruit overall by the same service. Tabbed a Top 10 player in the state of Florida (No. 8 overall by FloridaHoops.com), Paul averaged 18.1 points and 6.7 assists as a junior, including a 32-point, 14-assist night in the championship game of the Frank Spencer Holiday Classic in North Carolina, where he went on to earn MVP accolades.
"Miguel is an instinctive player. He's a winner. He's won at every level and he's got a toughness that we like in our players. With time, he can become a very good defensive player and can really push the tempo, distribute the basketball and score. Miguel is a well-rounded player coming into our program and we are excited he's coming to Mizzou."
A three-time all-Polk County pick and two-time all-conference selection, Paul opened his high school career averaging 17.1 points and 4.3 assists as a freshman, before pouring in 14 points and five dimes a contest as a sophomore. Among the most famous Kathleen High School recruits since Baltimore Raven linebacker Ray Lewis, Paul is listed a three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com and led his high school to the Florida Class 4A state semifinals just one year ago. Paul was a standout on the AAU circuit for Team STAT, a team owned an operated by Phoenix Suns forward Amare Stoudemire.
Paul selected Missouri over scholarship offers from St. John's and Clemson.
Marcus Denmon
Kansas City, Mo. / Hogan Prep
6-foot-3, 180 pounds - Shooting Guard
A native of Kansas City, Mo., Denmon has enjoyed a tremendous high school career in the Kansas City area, initially at Lincoln Prep, before transferring to Hogan Prep for his junior year. As a junior, Denmon averaged 31.8 points, 6.1 assists, 5.3 steals and 5.1 rebounds per game for Head Coach Steve Stitzer's crew and helped Hogan Prep to a 12-1 mark in the 13 games he played. In those 13 contests, Denmon hit 55 three-pointer (4.2 per game) and shot an impressive 89.1 percent from the free throw line (65-of-73). A three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, Denmon is ranked the nation's 36th-best shooting guard prospect by Scout.com and selected Missouri over offers from Big 12 programs Kansas State and Oklahoma and an offer from Big East power Marquette.
"Marcus had a tremendous summer. We liked his ability to score the ball and defend. He's got good quickness and the toughness to be able to compete at this level. Marcus has the desire to win. We want the best players in the state of Missouri and feel like the signing of Marcus gives us just that."
An all-area performer, the 6-foot-3, 180-pounder is also a standout on the gridiron as a wide receiver and defensive back, where he helped Hogan Prep advance to the state quarterfinals this season. Denmon suffered an injury early in his senior campaign but closed out the year strong, accounting for TD's in each of the last five games, including a pair of TD receptions vs. Warsaw in the Class 2 sectional title game, a 56-yarder vs. Holden and a 64-yarder in the win over Sherwood. Denmon also threw a 77-yard scoring pass in the Class 2 quarterfinals in a loss to Lawson, accounting for Hogan Prep's only score of the night.
Steve Moore
Independence, Mo. / Truman H.S.
6-foot-8, 235 pounds - Power Forward
An AAU Teammate of Denmon's with the Kansas City Pump-N-Run, Moore has been a fixture for Truman High School each of the past three seasons, earning All-Metro recognition for Head Coach Billy Guinnee and the Patriots. One of the nation's top senior post players, the 6-foot-8, 235-pound Moore is noted for his outstanding defensive ability and is ranked the nation's No. 20 center prospect nationally and is listed No. 128 overall by espn.com. A three-star recruit by both Scout.com and Rivals.com, Moore burst onto the recruiting scene as a sophomore when he logged averages of 14.0 points, 3.1 blocks and 10.2 rebounds per game. Last season the lefty recorded norms of 18.1 points, 12.9 boards and 4.4 blocks to produce scholarship offers from Washington State and Virginia before choosing to sign with Missouri.
"Steve is a great fit for our program. He's a young man of size, but he also has a good skill level. He'll give us a post presence and we really like his ability to pass the ball in the post. We feel like Steve has the chance to be a great defensive player. He has a seven-foot wingspan, which allows him to block shots and rebound at a high level. With work and steady development, Steve can be a fine player in our program."
Laurence Bowers
Memphis, Tenn. / St. George's H.S.
6-foot-7, 195 pounds - Small Forward
A 6-foot-7, 195-pound small forward, Bowers comes to Columbia after averaging 14.9 points, 9.1 rebounds, 4.1 blocks, and 2.3 assists as a junior for St. George's High School. Named the No. 2 forward prospect in the state of Tennessee by HoopScoop.com, Bowers is the nephew of former Arkansas Razorback cager Arlyn Bowers, who played for both Anderson and Nolan Richardson. An all-state pick by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association, Bowers helped lead St. George's to the Division II State Tournament and poured in 18 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocks in the Gryphons' win over Baylor H.S. A three-star prospect by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, Bowers was an all-league selection on the baseball diamond and selected a scholarship offer from Mizzou over offers from Arkansas and Marquette.
"I've known Laurence since he was a baby. His uncle, Arlyn, played for us at Arkansas and I've followed Laurence throughout his life. We've recruited a number of players from Memphis over the years and one constant about kids from that city is their understanding and appreciation of the game. Laurence really understands the game and has a great feel. He's a tremendous athlete and he's got a 6-foot-11 wingspan, so that just adds to it. He can score, block shots and rebound. He will be a tremendous addition to our family and we are glad he picked Mizzou."
Kimmie English
Baltimore, Md. / Randlestown H.S. / Notre Dame Prep
6-foot-7, 195 pounds - Small Forward
The smooth-shooting English signed with Missouri after an outstanding summer on both the high school and AAU circuits. A 6-foot-5, 180-pound guard, English led Randlestown High School to three consecutive state championships, including the 2007 crown when he averaged 17.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.7 steals and 3.3 assists per game. Named a first team all-Baltimore County selection, English was named a second team all-Metro pick by the Baltimore Sun as a senior, after leading his club to a 24-3 mark and that third straight state title. An AAU national champion with Cecil Kirk, English is tabbed a three-star recruit by both Rivals.com and Scout.com and chose the Tigers over offers from Tennessee, Oklahoma State, Miami (Fla.), Florida State and Cincinnati. English is currently attending prep school at Notre Dame Preparatory School in Fitchburg, Ma.
"Kimmie comes from a basketball family and a basketball town. He's a guy that can score and he's a winner. We feel like Kimmie can really excel in up-tempo basketball. He's a leader and has a high basketball IQ. One aspect of Kimmie's game that we liked was his work ethic. He is always working on his game to make himself better and that's a constant with each of the players in this class."
This rounds out the early signings for Missouri. The Tigers return to action on Sunday, when they face Western Illinois University at 1 p.m. at Mizzou Arena. Tiger fans can purchase upper-level tickets to Sunday's contest for just $5. The $5 special is only available for purchase on game day and tickets must be purchased at the Mizzou Arena ticket office on Sunday. The ticket office will open at 11 a.m., two hours prior to tip off vs. the Leathernecks.
Expert Recruiting Analysis From Scout.com's Eric Bossi and Dave Telep on Mizzou's early signings:
Eric Bossi on Keith Ramsey:
"I had Keith as one of my under-the-radar players coming out of high school, because he had a knee injury that slowed his senior season and then he played on the same AAU team with Brandon Wright who was just a Lottery pick in last year's NBA Draft," said Scout.com recruiting guru Eric Bossi. "Whenever anyone asked about a quality big man, I always mentioned Keith Ramsey. He's a guy that reminds me a lot of DeMarre Carroll, he's not as physically strong as DeMarre, but he poses match-up problems for teams because he's long, active on the glass and runs very well for a 6-foot-8 forward.
"This was a great pick-up for Missouri and the relationship that Mike Anderson and his staff built with Keith from their time at UAB really made a difference, because they identified him early on and stayed with him throughout the recruiting process."
Eric Bossi on Laurence Bowers:
"With Laurence, the first thing people tend to think of is his famous YouTube highlight video, but there really is more to his game than just his eye-catching athleticism," Bossi said. "Right now he is a four man, but his athleticism and improving jump shot will allow him to play as a wing, especially if Missouri decides to go with a bigger lineup. He's a guy really suited for Coach Anderson's style of play."
Eric Bossi on Steve Moore:
"Physically, Steve is going to be ready to handle play in the Big 12 Conference by the time he arrives at Missouri," Bossi said. "He's close to 6-foot-9 now and by the time he gets to campus he will be close to 250 pounds, so he won't mind mixing it up underneath. He's really an advanced defender for a young man his age. He's got great timing and long arms, which helps him block a lot of shots and he is just a great natural rebounder. He has the ability to go get the basketball and he gets himself in the right position once the shot is going up. Offensively he's improving everyday, but his defensive presence and rebounding ability makes him a great get for Coach Anderson and the Tigers."
Dave Telep on Miguel Paul:
"Miguel is a guy that can play multiple positions," recruiting analyst Dave Telep of Scout.com said. "He's hardwired to be a scorer, whether he's playing at the point or in the shooting-guard position. First and foremost he wants to get to the bucket and he has an air of toughness about him that allows him to take his licks in the lane and get to the line to help his team score. The signing of Miguel is a style fit for how Mike Anderson wants to play. He's a high-energy, attacking player that just fits this system well."
Eric Bossi on Marcus Denmon:
"What you get with Marcus is a supremely confident young man," said Bossi. "He doesn't care who he is playing against, he'll be out to prove why he's the better player. He has a knack for scoring the ball and he's a player that will make a lot of big shots. He's really an explosive scorer and he can be scoreless one minute and then have 16 or 17 points three minutes later.
"Marcus is quick, handles the ball well from the shooting guard position and will create a lot of offense for himself and teammates because of his defensive play. I really believe Marcus was born to play Mike Anderson's style of basketball and from the second he arrives on campus, it will be awfully hard for teams to keep him from making an immediate impact for the Tigers."
Eric Bossi on Mizzou's Overall Recruiting Class:
"I feel like a big key to Missouri's recruiting class was their ability to get the guys they targeted from the beginning," Bossi said. "Missouri got six of the top players on their list, so Coach Anderson and his staff did a great job getting their players in place and that will add to their depth and versatility at most positions on the floor."
