Tim Floyd is hitting the national recruiting trail full speed ahead. And, if coaches from BCS schools weren't paying attention before, they surely now. Friday, Floyd received a commitment from Sacramento, CA forward Darius Nelson. Nelson is the younger brother of former Duke star DeMarcus Nelson. He's a 6'5 forward with a strong outside shot who could play any of three positions with the Miners. Rivals was first to report the commitment and they rank him a 3 Star Recruit overall.
According to Rivals.com, Nelson, elected to be a Miner over offers from Georgetown, Kentucky, N.C. State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, USC, Oklahoma, and Villanova. Did you read that list? Read it again: Georgetown, Kentucky, N.C. State, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, USC, Oklahoma, and Villanova. He's a UTEP Miner.
ESPN ranks Nelson as the 81st best forward in the 2011 class and give him a rating of 86 out of 100. ESPN writes this:
Nelson has a tremendous knack to score. He knows how to use his thick frame to convert over bigger defenders and has a great feel for the game while converting in the paint area. He can stick the 3-point shot and he handles the ball very well for his size. He uses the up-and-under move well in the paint area and generally has good footwork.
Cali High Sports ranks Nelson as the 5th best forward prospect from the state of California. His incredible ability to score the rock caught ESPN Rise's attention last year.
Darius Nelson (Sheldon, Sacramento): Just a junior, he led the way on offense for the Huskies on Saturday night at Arco Arena as he scored 29 points in a 78-72 win over Franklin of Elk Grove. Sheldon captured the Sac-Joaquin Section Division I championship and Nelson has already had a 49-point game this week.
In fact, scoring 50 points in a game isn't something unusual for Nelson. In a California State playoff game against Castro Valley, Nelson scored 50 for Sheldon High. Don't believe me? Watch these highlights.
Nelson told the Sacramento Bee:
"I'm going to have the opportunity to play right away because they are senior dominated this season," Nelson said. "I love their style of play, and Coach Floyd is a very good coach."
Nelson becomes the second member of Coach Floyd's first full recruiting class at UTEP. He joins 6'5 small forward Jalen Ragland who committed a few weeks ago. Ragland is from Chillicothe, Ohio. When Floyd was hired he said that he fully intended to scour the country for the best players available. I'd say he's well on his way.