Brandon Stone Offered by Duquesne

As reported Friday by our own Mike Vukovcan, 2018 Southmoreland high school basketball recruit, Brandon Stone, received a scholarship offer from the Duquesne Dukes yesterday. In an interview with PSN, Stone revealed his thoughts on an offer that turns out to be somewhat atypical of the Duquesne basketball staff.

“I was really excited when they offered me. Coach Ferry offered me right after the workout and he told me that they don’t normally offer juniors.”

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Part of the excitement behind the offer comes from Stone’s familiarity with Duquesne. As it turns out, the 6’10” 185 pound center has family ties to the university and its athletic programs.

“I go to every home Duquesne football game because my cousin is a starting linebacker,” Stone said. “I know the campus and the coaches very well.”

The offer from Jim Ferry comes two weeks after Stone received an offer from the head coach of Robert Morris, Andy Toole. As it stands, there is no clear leader between the two local universities for the 2015-2016 AAA All-Section selection.

“I really liked Robert Morris as well, so it’s a toss-up between them right now. I still have time before I make a decision.”

While Brandon, a junior in high school, has time before he selects a university, he does not intend on waiting until signing day to offer a pledge.

“I hope to make my commitment before my senior season,” he revealed.

Duquesne and Robert Morris are not the only universities to offer Brandon at this time. Youngstown State and Mount Saint Mary’s have extended offers as well, and he continues to receive interest from a number of other programs.

“I’ve heard from West Virginia, Wichita State, Liberty, and some others.  I’ve heard that Ohio, Maryland, Wake Forest, Pitt, Canisius, and Quinnipiac are going to talk to me soon.”

A player in contact with the aforementioned universities must possess a bit of talent. So what kind of player should Stone’s future university expect to land?

“I would describe myself as a forward with guard skills,” Brandon said. “I can score in the post, off the drive, make mid-range jumpers, and 3’s. I can handle it, too. Nate Perry and Tom Droney have really helped me expand my game.”

Perry and Droney of Train to Game Basketball, a “premier grassroots basketball organization out of the Tri-State area,” have certainly helped to mold quite the high school basketball player. Pittsburgh Sports Now will continue to follow Brandon Stone’s progress as he transforms from high school recruit to college basketball player.