Nov. 12, 2008

Philadelphia, PA- La Salle University men's basketball coach Dr. John Giannini has received a National Letter of Intent from 6'10 center Aaric Murray.

Murray is in his senior season at The Glen Mills School where he averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds a season ago.

Murray is ranked among the nation's Top 40 basketball recruits by all of the major scouting services and ESPNU. He is considered the 19th top prospect in America by HoopScoop.

Murray is the latest commitment received by Coach Giannini who is in his fifth season as La Salle's head coach, "We are thrilled to have Aaric join our program and the La Salle community. Aaric is widely known as a talented basketball player. More importantly, he is an extremely nice, and mature young person who values education and contributing to a team effort," said Giannini.

"Aaric is the centerpiece of a talented nucleus of young players that La Salle fans can be excited about for upcoming years. He has a wonderful mother in Latoya Murray, a caring coach in Craig Mellinger, and many supporters who have given him a strong foundation to build upon," added the coach.

The scouting web site Rivals.com noted, "La Salle may have the steal of the entire class in center Aaric Murray. The top-40 prospect turned down a number of high-major offers and should prove to be a difference-maker for the Atlantic 10 school." Rivals has Murray ranked 35th overall and as the sixth at the center position.

A third site, Scout.com ranks him 38th overall the also sixth at center.

ESPNU has Murray rated 33rd and sixth at center in their ESPU 100 rankings.

The Explorers open the 2008-09 campaign Saturday afternoon with a 2:00 PM tipoff against Morgan State.