Rodney Spruill will notice a familiar face on the basketball court next season.
Spruill, a 6-foot-5, 220-pound swing guard for the Walbrook High basketball team, will be joining his former teammate, Velmar Coleman, at Towson University on a basketball scholarship.
Spruill was the first incoming freshman signed by the Tigers for the 2006-2007 campaign.
“We are excited about Rodney, who brings many outstanding dimensions to our basketball program,” Towson head basketball coach Pat Kennedy said in a recent press release. “Rodney comes from a very supportive family, who watched him have a great summer. He has an opportunity to have a truly special career. Once again we?re very excited to get a commitment from one of Baltimore?s and Maryland?s best.”
After averaging 16.9 point and 12.1 rebounds as a junior, Spruill increased his production and contributed 22 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three blocks per game this past season.
Spruill, who began playing basketball at 7, said his early experience in the sport should serve well in his transition to the college game. Towson is a member of the Division I Colonial Athletic Association, which includes 2006 Final Four member George Mason University.
It was the first Final Four appearance for a team in the CAA, and that league will be a big step up for Spruill. But he appears ready for the jump.
“I have been playing basketball since I can remember, and I think that will give me an advantage over some of the other guys.” Spruill said. “It?s a great feeling to be teamed up with Velmar again, and it will be just like old times. I know his game and we can really feed off of each other on the court.”
Coleman echoed the same sentiment.
“I think it should be a lot of fun when we play together because we have always complimented each other on the court,” said Coleman, who has been friends with Spruill for the past five years. “I showed Rodney around campus when he came here to visit and if we both play hard and stay focused, Towson should definitely be on the rise.”
THE SPRUILL FILE
School: Walbrook
Sport: Basketball
Position: Guard
Future College: Towson
Did you know?: In a 67-24 win over Digital Harbor on Dec. 12, Spruill scored 15 points, had 11 rebounds and blocked six shots … Two days later, in a 69-60 victory over Aberdeen, Spruill had 12 points and 12 rebounds and picked up one block … Spruill scored a career-high 43 points, hauled in 14 rebounds and blocked three shots in a 72-68 victory over Southwestern on Dec. 16.
