Ward commits to UC

UC received a commitment today from Varez Ward, a 6-2 combo guard from Montgomery, Ala., who played this year for the Patterson School in Patterson, N.C. Here's the assessment of Ward, who was at UC's practice the other day, from Jerry Meyer of Rivals.com.

"He's athletic. He can really jump. He's strong, a good defender. Skill-wise, he's solid. He could extend his shooting range some. He's not really a long-range shooter, but a slasher. He's a good combo guard. He can handle the point guard some. I don't think that's his primary position, but he can certainly guard the point guard position. He's a solid player, but he's not going to score a whole lot of points. That's not his forte. He's a good pickup. He's a solid 3-star player."

With Ward and guard Dion Dixon, both of whom are expected to sign next month, UC has four commitments for next year. That includes Yancy Gates and point guard Cashmere Wright. But Mick Cronin is not finished recruiting. He could still have as many as two scholarships remaining if Western Carolina transfer Nick Aldridge pays his own way, which is a distinct possibility, and if Alvin Mitchell does not return.

UC is still in the running for shooting guard Scotty Hopson and Steven Hoyloy, a 6-9 center from Miami-Dade Community College.