The University of Virginia men’s basketball program has extended a handful of scholarship offers to class of 2014 prospects during this all-important recruiting month of July. One of the biggest targets — literally and figuratively — is 7’2″, 278-pound center Isaac Haas , a rising senior out of Hokes Bluff High School in Alabama. And despite being a relative newcomer to this race, Virginia landed a spot in the talented big man’s final five.

“I believe the head coach is a great guy,” Haas said when asked why he put the Cavaliers in his final five. “I’ve developed a strong connection with him. He’s a Christian, which is something I really like. It does hurt a little that they came in so late, but if they recruit hard I think they’ll be right in there.”

Haas recalled receiving the offer from head coach Tony Bennett, who, as noted, came through earlier in July.

“He apologized for not recruiting me much earlier,” Haas said. “He said he saw me recently and just felt he needed to offer me. He was just trying to get in and get a chance with me.”

...