Murray State University Athletics
Racers sign Mineral Area College star Rob Kennedy for 2005-06
4/18/2005 5:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Racers head coach Mick Cronin said Kennedy fills an important piece of the recruiting plan.
"Rob is a very important recruit for our program," Cronin said. "He has a combination of size and toughness, along with the ability to score.
"The fact that Rob had three years of eligibility remaining makes him even more valuable to our future."
Kennedy had good numbers at Mineral Area last season, as he shot 58.6 percent from the field and 75 percent from the free-throw line.
Kennedy was forced to miss the final eight games of last season after he suffered a meniscus tear in his knee in mid-January.
Kennedy's coach at Mineral Area, Corey Tate, said Kennedy will fit in well at Murray State.
"He's a great finisher," Tate said. "He can score inside or outside and can even step out and shoot the three."
Kennedy is a nephew of former Saint Louis University standout Erwin Clagget, and Tate said that, like Clagget, he is "sneaky athletic."
At Madison, Ill., (Madison HS), Kennedy was part of the top-ranked team in Illinois during his senior season.
"Rob is an excellent player with a big upside in terms of future potential," said Mike Mitchell of Midwest Scouting Service. "His athletic ability and size make him a terrific prospect, especially given the fact that he has three years of playing time at Murray State."
Cronin is pleased with recruiting thus far. The Racers have already landed shooting guard Tyler Holloway in the early signing period from Huntsville, Ala., and last week, Marqise Wright, a forward out of Gainsville, Ga.
"We are adding the pieces to the puzzle that we began constructing last season," Cronin said. "Tyler, Rob and Marqise, along with Mike McCoy are competitive guys who want to win championships. They are going to add some things we lacked last season at times
"The staff has done a great job in recruiting thus far, and we are still working on a few things. I'm excited about the season to come."
