UTC men's basketball coach John Shulman announced the signing of Anthony “A.D.” Banks to scholarship papers on Wednesday. The 6’7”, 210-pound forward is a senior at North Cross School in Roanoke, Va.
Banks averaged 19 points and 12 rebounds as a junior for the Raiders in 2008-09 earning second team All-Timesland honors. He is rated in the top 100 among small forwards by Scouts Inc., on espn.com. His scouting grade of 85 lists him as a high major prospect.
According to his recruiting info on espn.
com, Banks also considered Akron, Appalachian State, UNC Greensboro and Western Carolina. The likes of Penn State, Auburn and VCU were mentioned during his recruitment as well.
“Anthony is a competitor,” said head coach John Shulman. “He competes with the heart of a lion. At 6-7, he can run, jump…he scores it in and has perimeter skills. He’s a 'high motor' guy and we need that.
“We were looking at a different player on his AAU squad and just fell in love with him in July. He reminded us of Larrie Smith who is one of my all-time favorite players. He keyed us turning it around at Tennessee Tech.”
The Mocs open the season Friday night with Virginia Intermont at 7 p.m. On Tuesday, Chattanooga hosts traditional rival East Tennessee State at 7 p.m., for “Rock the Roundhouse”. “Rock the Roundhouse” is a ticket promotion with all upper level seats selling for $1. Fans can purchase the $1 seats at the box office or online at GoMocs.com using promo code “beatetsu”.