Jarell Eddie, G/F, 6-7, 215 pounds, Cannon School (Concord, N.C.)

Rev. Zeke Vodka’s analysis: “He is a prospect much like other prospects in that he has moved forward and, as he has advanced to different levels in basketball, he has moved further away from the basket. Eddie started out as a back-to-the-basket kid. Now he is a two or a three. I think he needs to sure up his overall handle to be a two at Virginia Tech. I think he slots more as a three right now, with some ability to still play some four if Seth wants to go or play small. One thing Jarell has shown an aptitude for, though, is he looks like a coachable kid who will put in the time working on his game. In other words, he is the type of prospect that can ingratiate himself early with Seth Greenberg. I also think he has an opportunity early in his career to carve out a niche and some early playing time due to the uncertainty that currently exists at the three position in the Hokie program. There will be a chance for Jarell next season at a wing position to earn some early time if he takes advantage of that opportunity. There is no one in front of him that is so established that he is looking at limited opportunities and time. His shooting is adequate, his handle has gotten better and he has a nice frame equipped to succeed early in college. Patience will be needed as he continues that growth at the wing position. But I do think he has a nice upside and will be someone that will be a 4-year contributor.”

Tyrone Garland, PG/SG, 6-1, 170 pounds, John Bartram (Philadelphia, PA)

Rev. Zeke: “Assistant coach James Johnson was all over Garland at an early stage and deserves credit on this one. Garland has that “urban” game that the program can use. He isn’t a pure point per se, but he is a scoring point guard. I’m not sure he can necessarily play much off the ball because of his size, but one thing you get with Garland is toughness and penetration ability. His shooting is streaky from deep and comes and goes, but he can knock down jumpers behind the arc and in flourishes. His best attribute, though, is he has an uncanny knack for finishing inside over much taller opponents. You keep waiting for the game where the avenue is closed to the basket yet it seemingly never happens with Garland. He is also a kid that is driven and has great determination. He has that proverbial chip on his shoulder and that is due to him being constantly overlooked, starting in his Philly hometown. He tires of seeing kids that he thinks aren’t better than him get love across the country from evaluators and scouts. Tony Chennault is the perfect example. Chennault was unofficially named as Philly’s best guard by scouts, something that irked the devil out of Garland. Garland’s response: He went head to head with Chennault in Orlando, with coaches represented from both Virginia Tech and Wake Forest (Chennault’s future home), and soundly kicked Chennault’s butt. You always hear Coach Seth Greenberg speak of wanting toughness in his program and in his players. That is something that Garland certainly brings to the table for Greenberg. He is always underestimated and thusly he always has to prove himself out there. In Virginia Tech’s program, that is not all a bad thing.”

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