THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT 
              Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: Thursday, September 26, 1996          TAG: 9609260517
SECTION: SPORTS                  PAGE: C6   EDITION: FINAL 
SOURCE: BY STEVE CARLSON, STAFF WRITER 
                                            LENGTH:   49 lines

PLAYER FROM FLORIDA COMMITS TO PLAYING BASKETBALL AT ODU PAUL REED MADE HIS DECISION WITHOUT VISITING THE SCHOOL.

Paul Reed has not seen Old Dominion, but he's certain he'll like it.

Certain enough that he verbally committed to play basketball for the Monarchs Tuesday night.

The 6-foot-8, 225-pound Reed said he can play either forward spot in college. He averaged about 13 points and eight rebounds last year for Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, which went 27-7 and made the state semifinals while playing in the largest of Florida's six classifications.

``I just thought it was the best choice for me academically and athletically,'' Reed said. ``Seeing the school doesn't mean much. I read a lot of the literature they sent me and read about the academics, that's my main concern.''

Reed said he will visit ODU Oct. 17.

What if he doesn't like it?

``I guess I'll just have to fight through that,'' he said.

``It is a little on the unusual side, but I think he had a real good feel for coach Capel,'' said Dr. Phillips coach Theo McWhite, who already has a former player in the Colonial Athletic Association in William and Mary's Randy Bracy.

Reed said he did not visit any schools, but decided on ODU over Southern Methodist, Miami of Ohio, South Florida, Vanderbilt, Georgia and William and Mary. He has already met the NCAA freshman eligibility guidelines.

ODU coaches cannot comment about a recruit until they receive his signed letter of intent. The fall signing period begins Nov. 13.

The Monarchs have four scholarships to give following Monday's dismissal of forward Joe Bunn, and with Reed's commitment three of those spots are spoken for.

One will go to Michael Williams, a 6-1 guard from Thomasville, Ga., who is at Hargrave Military Academy this year. Williams signed with ODU last year, but did not make the necessary score on his Scholastic Assessment Test. He recently re-committed to ODU as expected, but still needs to make a qualifying test score.

Brett Harper transferred to ODU after one season at Hagerstown (Md.) Junior College. The former Kecoughtan High School star is paying his own way to school this year and will not be able to practice or play with the Monarchs. The 6-3 guard will be on scholarship next year with three seasons of eligibility remaining.

ODU is also awaiting word on guard Chris Haskin, a JUCO player out of Florida. Haskin has to pass an exit exam at Pensacola Junior College, and if he does would become eligible at ODU this season following the end of the first semester. by CNB