Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sometimes we know a recruit is headed to a school well before it is actually official. Still, the prospect does have the right to change his mind and decide to take his talents elsewhere. Programs usually have to hold their breath while waiting for the recruit to sign their National Letter of Intent — which makes their coming to the university official, although, not legally binding (in some rare business transactions they are. Wording is important, kids).
That is why the California Golden Bears must be thrilled that Kameron Rooks has finally signed his letter of intent to join the basketball program. Rooks, a 7-foot behemoth, is rated as the 22nd best senior center in the nation by ESPN.
For his senior season, Rooks shot an amazing .65 percent from the field and averaged 17.9 points, 11 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game. Meaning, his height translated to some seriously efficient production at the high school level.
Rooks is the son of Sean Rooks, who had himself a nice college career with the Arizona Wildcats before being drafted in the first round of the NBA Draft in 1992. Mike Montgomery must be hoping that the son lives up to his father’s abilities as Sean Rooks ended up playing 12 seasons in the pros before finally hanging up the sneakers.
Don’t expect Rooks to join the starting rotation right away. He still needs to develop his body and get acclimated to playing harder competition. Although, that does not mean he won’t end up having a significant impact when he eventually joins a roster that already has an ESPN ranked top-20 recruiting class coming in.
Joe is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @JosephNardone
