VCU picked up more prizes on the second day of the national signing period for men’s basketball.
The Rams landed coveted 6-foot-7, 200-pound wing Tevin Mack after a fierce recruiting battle with Connecticut, Georgia, South Carolina and Clemson.
VCU capped a stellar class by getting a commitment from another 6-7 wing, Jordan Murphy out of San Antonio.
Mack, from Dreher High in Columbia, S.C., announced his choice at a signing ceremony and press conference at his school Thursday afternoon.
He has long been a top target of the Rams. Mack, rated among the top 60 players in the nation by ESPN.com, also is known for his ability as a scorer and his length as a wing.
Just before announcing his decision, Mack grabbed a bag from under the table on the stage and disappeared behind a curtain. When he returned, Mack was wearing a VCU basketball T-shirt.
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Mack told reporters afterward he changed his mind “like every day.”
“I just felt more comfortable there,” Mack said to reporters present for his signing. “It was not a knock on anyone else. I liked all the schools and coaches. They were real, real good people. I just liked them better. It felt more like a brotherhood to me. It was a tough choice. I turned down a lot of great schools.”
Mack said VCU’s “Havoc” style of play “fits my game a lot.”
“They get up and down and shoot a lot of shots,” he said. “They get after it on defense, too. That’s something I really want to get used to.
“I’m ready to get there and start working out.”
Mack averaged 22 points last season and hit 38 percent of his 3-pointers.
“Tevin can flat out put the ball in the basket in so many ways," VCU coach Shaka Smart said. "His length, athleticism and feel for the game will allow him to thrive in our style of play."
Murphy, who can play outside and inside, reportedly was down to VCU and UNLV. He also had interest from Baylor, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Memphis and Texas, among others.
“Jordan possesses a unique combination of athleticism and power," Smart said. "His scoring, rebounding and ability to play in transition will translate really well to what we do."
The Rams already have a commitment from L.C. Bird guard Kenny Williams, who is considered one of the top shooters in the 2015 recruiting class. Williams is rated among the top 80 players by ESPN.com.
The addition of Mack, Williams and Murphy will form another top recruiting class for Rams coach Shaka Smart. This year’s freshman quartet of Terry Larrier, Jonathan Williams, Justin Tillman and Michael Gilmore were rated in the top 15.
VCU will lose three seniors.
“This class fits extremely well with our style of play and provides serious scoring punch," Smart said. "It is a highly competitive, versatile group that has an opportunity to make a major impact early at VCU.”