New Jersey Senior Forward Visits UVa

UVa men’s basketball has signed six prospects in the 2010 class, but if the right fit is there it seems as though the staff would add another high school senior or college transfer. This past weekend, the staff hosted St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.) senior forward Ronald Roberts on an official visit. St. Peter’s Prep head coach Mike Kelly goes in depth on Roberts, who signed with St. John’s last November but was released from his letter of intent after the Red Storm underwent a coaching change.

“First of all, the way this all came about is that Ron Sanchez has been recruiting [2011 guard] Myles Davis,” Kelly began, referring to how Virginia got in the picture with Roberts. “Myles is probably a top 30 guy nationally and Coach Sanchez has been here to watch several games. Ron Roberts obviously had been signed, so he wasn’t an object of recruiting until he became available. Once he became available, UVa jumped on board.”

Roberts transferred to St. Peter’s Prep after his sophomore year, but he had not played in any varsity basketball games at the time of the transfer. The standout senior developed into a key asset and a solid prospect under Kelly and staff, averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds per contest this past season.

“He is an absolute freak athletically,” Kelly said. “He is 6-7, 215 pounds. He has all the dynamics to be a pro someday. All of the coaches that have seen him play say the same thing. He just signed early and wasn’t on the radar.”

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