By Paul Gaeta
Sports Editor
On the same day that the Demon Deacon basketball team announced one of its best big men, sophomore Loren Woods, was tranferring, the team announced that it signed a prized recruit that might fill Woods' void.
Darius Songaila, a 6-foot-9 forward who hails from Lithuania, signed a binding national letter of intent with the Deacs on the first day of the NCAA signing period, April 15.
Songaila was a star for his New Hampshire prep school this past season, avaraging 24 points and 11 rebounds as a senior, making him a Division I prospect.
"Unlike some American kids who are told every day that they're so good, no one has given Darius anything," Jamie Aresenault, Songaila's coach, said. "He's had to earn everything, and he knows he'll have to earn everything at Wake Forest.
"He's not going down there thinking he's `The Man.' He understands he's got to keep working hard and earn his role."
Songaila will help a very weak Demon Deacon frontcourt. With freshman Rafael Vidauretta and Josh Shoemaker, the only Deacs who saw adequate playing time in the paint this past season, returning, Songaila will be a much-needed talent in the paint. The signing was equally important with the departure of Woods.
With one spring signing down, the Deacs look for their final recruit of the year.
Ervin Murray, a 6-foot-5 guard from Teachey, N.C., would have already signed with the Deacs but has one minor his problem.
"His mom is out of town, and he hasn't signed yet," Steve Robinson, Murray's coach, said. "He hasn't changed his mind. He's going to sign as soon as she gets back."
Murray averaged 19.5 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5.5 assists for his undefeated Wallace-Rose Hill High School team.
|