The Virginian-Pilot
                             THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Tuesday, November 7, 1995              TAG: 9511070403
SECTION: SPORTS                   PAGE: C7   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER 
                                             LENGTH: Short :   36 lines

SHOOTING GUARD COMMITS TO ODU

Old Dominion's basketball team, short on guards this season, has received its second verbal commitment from a high school guard.

Freddie Bryant, a 6-foot-3 shooting guard from Watson, La., said Monday he will sign a scholarship offer with the Monarchs. He visited campus last weekend and said he committed before leaving campus.

NCAA rules prohibit coaches from commenting about a recruit until he signs. The signing period for high school basketball players begins Wednesday and ends Nov. 15. Bryant said he will sign on Nov. 14, his mother's birthday.

``I really liked the atmosphere,'' Bryant said. ``It's a ways from home, but not far, far away. The guys were great, and most of all I really enjoyed the coaches.''

Bryant did not take any other official visits. He had narrowed his choices to ODU, Iowa State, New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana and UNC Charlotte.

Bryant averaged 24.5 points, six rebounds and four assists as a junior at Live Oak High School, which is in the fifth-largest of Louisiana's seven classifications. Bryant, an honorable mention all-state player last year, played on an AAU national championship team a couple years ago. He has met the NCAA's freshman eligibility requirements.

Live Oak coach Ken Kraft described Bryant as a ``very good outside shooter'' who is athletic and intelligent.

Bryant becomes ODU's second commitment, joining 6-1 guard Michael Williams of Thomas County Central High in Thomasville, Ga. by CNB