DePaul's men's basketball team, once a tournament regular, has fallen on hard times in recent years.
↵↵Perhaps the play of a new recruit, highly rated by many analysts, will help turn that trend around.
↵↵ESPN Chicago is reporting that DePaul has signed Shane Larkin, son of former Cincinnati Reds shortstop Barry Larkin, to be part of its 2011-12 freshman class:
↵↵Larkin, a 5-11 guard out of Orlando, Fla., is ranked 98th overall in the Class of 2011 by ESPN Scouts, Inc. and the 20th best point guard. He's DePaul's biggest recruit since Mac Koshwal and Dar Tucker came in together in 2007.↵↵↵↵"I think it's an excellent signing," ESPN Scouts, Inc. recruiting coordinator Reggie Rankin said. "I think it's a kid that can help him. He'll be able to open the door and attract other high-level guys. Not only do they have a top-100 kid, but he's from Florida. I think other kids will take notice."
Good luck to Shane, and to new coach Oliver Purcell, in helping rebuild what was once one of the premier basketball programs in the country.