Vance (Charlotte, NC) head coach Will Robinson had heard about Marquis Rankin heading into the 2007/2008 season. Rankin, then a rising freshman, didn’t disappoint.

“Three days into open gym that year, I told an assistant, ‘I think we’ve got something special,'” Robinson said. “We loved him from day one because of his work ethic. He’s coachable and talented.”

Two years later, the 6-0, 170-pound point guard has become one of the most highly regarded prospects in the 2011 class. He is ranked #23 overall in the nation by Scout.com and #26 in the country by Rivals.com. Both recruiting networks rate Rankin a 4-star prospect. Robinson considers Rankin a high quality person and player.

“He’s a great kid. He’s great to be around,” Robinson said. “He’s quiet, but he’s personable. He is a humble young man. The teachers around here had no idea how highly regarded a player he is. Overall, though, his personal demeanor is quite the opposite on the court. He is extremely competitive and you notice it out on the court.

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