Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, April 17, 1993 TAG: 9304170096
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: DOUG DOUGHTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
LAWSON CHOOSES VILLANOVA
Jason Lawson's decision to cancel a news conference only prolonged Virginia's agony.The Cavaliers learned Friday that Lawson, a Parade All-America center from Olney High in Philadelphia, had signed a letter-of-intent with Villanova.
"I will be featured at Villanova," Lawson told the Philadelphia Daily News. "I will become a prominent player early in my career."
Lawson was to have announced his choice Thursday but abruptly canceled a news conference scheduled for 10 a.m. There were conflicting reports on which school was his choice at that time.
UVa coach Jeff Jones said Lawson had told him in the past week that he would be coming to Virginia, but said "it wasn't as if we sat back at that point."
Lawson, a 6-foot-10, 240-pounder, visited five schools, but his decision came down to Villanova and Virginia. Four other players 6-8 or taller have chosen other schools over UVa this year.
The Cavaliers were second on 6-10 Joey Beard from Reston, who signed with Duke; 6-10 Ben Melmeth from Salt Lake City, who signed with Utah; 6-9 1/2 Kirk Luchman from Medford Lakes, N.J., who signed with Florida State; 6-8 Ben Davis, who transferred from Kansas to Florida; and Lawson.
"Three of those kids told us they were coming," Jones said. "To me, the most frustrating thing is the question of what more we could have done, given the opportunities we have available for somebody in the post.
"It's an opportunity to start and to be surrounded by good players. And, I feel the school has a lot to offer. It makes you scratch your head."
Seven Parade All-Americans have visited Virginia in the past 12 months and all signed with other schools.
Simpson confirmed that Lawson considered taking an unpaid visit to Charlottesville this weekend.
"After the confusion he experienced [Thursday morning], we talked about what things we could do to relieve the uncertainty," Simpson said. "That was one of the possibilities."
Virginia returns four starters from a squad that reached the final 16 in the NCAA Tournament; however, the Cavaliers need to replace senior Ted Jeffries, a four-year starter at center.
"I can tell you we have someone on campus right now, with plans for several others to visit, if necessary," said Jones, who will travel to Europe next week. "It's not a situation where we've left ourselves without any alternatives. I still feel confident that we will sign one [inside] player."
Keywords:
BASKETBALL