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4. Signing Ray Kasongo
Lanier served as the main recruiter for JUCO power forward signee Ray Kasongo – a springy athlete with elite shot blocking ability. “If he winds up in the SEC, he’ll be most athletic guy in the conference right away,” his mentor Brandon Bender told NOLA.com. “He’s a world-class athlete. He has a 42-inch vertical but he’s also a physical player and can go get rebounds, block shots and finish around the rim.”
Rick Barnes also had high praise for Kasongo. “Ray brings tremendous athleticism to our roster,” Barnes said. “He’s got the ability to run and jump at a high level, and we believe he has the potential to become an elite rebounder. He comes from a wonderful family, he has a great attitude, and I think he’s going to be extremely coachable. Ray has a very high ceiling.”
Kasongo has three years of eligibility remaining should see plenty of time on the court for the Vols this season. The Vols probably don’t get Kasongo if Lanier doesn’t follow Barnes to Rocky Top.
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