Three High School Standouts Sign National Letters to Play for UAlbany Men's Basketball Program

Courtesy: UAlbany Sports Information

Albany, N.Y. -- University at Albany men's basketball coach Will Brown announced on Thursday, Nov. 13 that three student-athletes have signed national letters of intent to play for the Great Danes in the 2009-10 academic year. Gavin Glanton, a 6-foot-7, 200-pound forward from Forrest City, Ark. (Forrest City H.S.), Blake Metcalf, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound center from Camby, Ind. (Plainfield H.S.), and Ralph Watts, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound swingman from Peekskill, N.Y. (Peekskill H.S.), each made his commitment.

Glanton averaged 16.9 points and 9.7 rebounds as a junior when he was named to the All-6A-East Conference and All-St. Francis County squads. He shot 58.6 percent from the field and 72.3 percent from the line. As a sophomore, Glanton led the Mustangs to a conference title, a state final appearance and a 26-4 record. He played for the AAU Arkansas Wings program.

"Gavin brings a rare combination of athleticism and skill to the floor," Brown explained. "He is explosive, attacks the rim, and has a strong mid-range game. He is very talented and has a bright future."

Metcalf accounted for 13.2 points and 9.4 rebounds and had a .636 field goal percentage as a junior. He was selected to the All-Metro and All-Mid-State Conference teams. The Quakers, who finished with a 17-4 record, received votes in the Class 4A Associated Press and IBCA state polls. Indiana Basketball Digest rated him the No. 1 center in the state's 2009 class.

"Blake is a physical player with a very good skill set," Brown offered. "He can score on the block and shoot the 15-foot to 17-foot jumper. He knows that he is a true center and really likes playing with his back to the basket."

Watts totaled 12.1 points, 6.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists for a 25-1 squad. The Red Devils won the Section I championship and were ranked No. 3 in the final NYSSWA state poll. He received All-Westchester County and All-Conference II, League A North recognition. Watts, who played for AAU Westchester Hawks, won a silver medal as a member of Hudson Valley team at the 2008 Empire State Games.

"Ralph is an extremely versatile perimeter player who can impact a game in a variety of ways," Brown said. "He can play all three perimeter positions and is an excellent defender and a very good passer."

University at Albany Men's Basketball Signings

Name, Pos., Cl., Ht., Wt., Hometown (High School)

Gavin Glanton, F, Fr., 6-7, 200, Forrest City, Ark. (Forrest City)

Blake Metcalf, C, Fr., 6-9, 250, Camby, Ind. (Plainfield)

Ralph Watts, G/F, Fr., 6-5, 195, Peekskill, N.Y. (Peekskill)