Duquesne Big Brothers/Big Sisters Program Gets a Verbal Commitment

When you coach a team that hasn't gone to the Big Dance since 1977, it's time to get creative. And no, we don't mean "Nick Nolte in Blue Chips"-level creative.

In a time-honored tradition amongst program-builders, Duquesne coach Ron Everhart has taken in experienced transfers (6'10" Shawn James from Northeastern and KoJo Mensah from Siena) and mixed them in with returning starters and new recruits.

Everhart also instituted a radical platooning substitution strategy that helped the Dukes win five in a row at one point, but the team was severely weakened by the well-publicized shooting incident and the program notched its thirteenth-straight losing season.

Not one to wait for success to be handed to him, Everhart has come up with some inventive ways to get Duquesne to the next level, including the surprising move of recruiting a 5'8" 158-lb high school Sophomore. T.J. McConnell has verbally committed to the Dukes after being repeatedly assured by Everhart that a scholarship is his for the taking.

Obviously, Everhart would love to see McConnell put on a serious growth spurt between now and 2010, but he was initially wowed by the Beav's quick hands and three-point shooting touch. It's probably wise to wrap up budding local phenom like this before anyone else notices him. The question is, what if he grows six inches and Pitt comes calling? Will he honor that verbal, or high-tail it to the Big East power?

This could be Kush-lash from Jerry McGuire all over again.

(Hat tip to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette)