An interesting recruiting trend for the Robert Morris men’s basketball program has taken place over the last couple months as Andy Toole has made offers to players with ties to the program.
It started last month, when 2021 guard Mike Iuzzolino Jr., son of current Colonial assistant coach Mike Iuzzolino Sr., got the news from Robert Morris, which was his first D-I offer.
On Wednesday, Butler 2022 guard Devin Carney, son of former RMU guard Shelton Carney (1990-94), received an offer from the Colonials. This is Carney’s third D-I offer, with the others being from Bryant and St. Francis (PA).
“Coach Toole actually called me a couple of days ago and we were playing phone tag,” Carney told Pittsburgh Sports Now. “Then this morning (Wednesday), he called again and I finally got the chance to talk to him. During our talk, he was telling me how I could benefit from playing at Robert Morris and how he’d be using me and stuff like that. It was an overall great conversation.”
When he first called me, I just thought it was going to be a basic conversation, I didn’t think they were going to be offering. I was definitely super excited about the offer because my dad played there and it would be great to go there too. I was really excited.”
With his father being an alumni, Carney is no stranger to the current Robert Morris program and enjoyed their run through the NEC Tournament last March.
“I’ve actually been to some of their practices when I was younger and up to now,” said Carney. “I’ve also been to a bunch of games and I love it there. It’s such a great atmosphere there especially with the new arena. Plus, Robert Morris moving to the Horizon is great, that’s a big deal.”
Carney was a part of the Butler Golden Tornado’s WPIAL Championship team last season and will be counted on a lot more next season with the graduation of star guard Ethan Morton. That’s something that Carney is ready for and is actually looking forward to the challenge.
“When describing my game, I’d say that I’m a team player first. I’m all about winning. I’m able to put the ball in the basket and things I’m working on is being a distributor for others since Ethan is leaving. I’m been working on my passing since I’m going to have more of a chance to do that this season.”
In 21 games last season, Carney averaged 22.3 points per game.
