Top prep player Mercedes Russell verbals to Tennessee
In a much anticipated decision, the nation’s No. 1-ranked player prep player, 6-5 post Mercedes Russell (Springfield, Ore.) verbally committed to Tennessee Tuesday afternoon. She narrowed down her choices to the Lady Vols and Louisville before making a decision. The 17 year-old Russell, a two-time Oregon Coaches Class 5A player of the year, averaged 26 points, 15 rebounds, five assists and six blocks during her junior year and led her team to a second-consecutive state title. She won a gold medal this summer as a member of the USA’s 2012 FIBA Women’s U17 World Championship team. On the AAU circuit, she played for Team Concept.
Shortly after making her announcement she tweeted the following along with a photo of herself via the photo social media service Instagram:
I just want to thank my parents , all my friends , family , and coaches that have been with me from the beginning to the end of this whole recruiting process. I’ve enjoyed having the opportunity to meet all these coaches & players from different schools , but it’s finally coming to an end ! I’m happy to say I will be playing at the University of Tennessee !! instagr.am/p/Ra_c9nqLWj/
— Mercedes Russell(@MerSladezz) October 30, 2012
Russell plans to sign a national letter of intent in the early signing period which begins November 14. Earlier this week the Lady Vols also secured a commitment from another top ten prep player, No. 8 Jannah Tucker, a 6-0 guard from Randallstown, Maryland (Western High School).
Tennessee head coach Holly Warlick also weighed in via Twitter without mentioning Russell’s name:
Great day to be a LADY VOL!!And more to come! #WhosNext
— Holly Warlick (@HollyWarlick) October 30, 2012
Around the Web
- No. 1 Mercedes Russell chooses her path (Peach State Basketball)
- No. 1 prospect Mercedes Russell picks Tennessee (GoVolsXtra)
- John Adams: Mercedes Russell picking Lady Vols important start for Holly Warlick (GoVolsXtra)
- Mercedes Russell commits to Tennessee (They’re Playing Basketball)
- Mercedes Russell of Springfield commits to Tennessee basketball program (Oregonian)
- No. 1 girls’ prospect Mercedes Russell picks Tennessee over Louisville (Courier-Journal)
- USA Basketball Profile (USABasketball.com)
