Recruiting News: Cornell Gets Verbal from Canadian

Canadian high school basketball writer, Barry Hayes tipped us off on a new verbal recruiting commitment to Cornell. His website reports the following:

Ivy League power likes Manny being Manny

Manny Sahota has seen a lot of basketball talent roam through the halls of St. Marguerite d’Youville Secondary School in Brampton, Ontario as a student, only to see many of them jet off to U.S. prep schools in an attempt to increase exposure. With a great academic work ethic and a solid all-around game, Manny got his Division 1 scholarship the old fashioned way.

The 6’6” small forward verbally committed to Cornell University of the prestigious Ivy League Conference for the 2010-11 season, as he plans to return for a fifth year at d’Youville. Putting in an impressive performance at Cornell’s elite camp, the coaching staff recognized him as the best player. It didn’t take long for them to set up a scholarship offer.

“I decided to go to Cornell because I wanted to attend a school that has a high class educational system and also offers a reputable basketball program,” said Sahota.

“Cornell seemed to be the perfect combination. Also, when I visited I felt like I would fit right into their program and the campus was amazing as well. [Head coach Steve] Donahue, [assistant coach Nat] Graham, and the rest of the coaching staff were really welcoming. They do a great job getting their guys in game shape and developing their game. I'm really excited to be a part of the program.”

St. Marguerite d’Youville had five former students at U.S. prep schools last year, including highly-ranked 6’9” forward Tristan Thompson (Findlay). Others include Kofi Mensa (Mountain State), Jabs Newby (Mountain State), Kiefer Douse (Christian Life Center Academy), and RJ Stephens (Proctor). Despite their departures, Sahota helped lead d’Youville to another Region of Peel championship and a quarterfinal appearance at the AAAA provincial championships.

“He has great work ethic, character and leadership abilities,” said d’Youville head coach Carlo Zoffranieri. “He was d'Youville's Athlete of the Year and he won the science award at this year's graduation. He will be looking to study life sciences or architecture at Cornell in 2010.”

The Cornell Big Red have competed in the last two NCAA Tournaments after winning the Ivy League conference each year. They will be a favourite to return once again with three Canadians on their roster next year: Alex Hill (6’5” G/F, Toronto, ON), Andre Wilkins (6’5” F, Toronto, ON), and Marc Van Burck (6’11” C, Star City, SK).