Commitment to Oklahoma not too “Early” for Chris

Ivan McDowell
Southeast/Mid-South Editor

August 24, 2006 - Summer or AAU basketball is a chance for some of the top young ballers in the country to further enhance their reputations and solidify their place among the nation’s elite. It is also a time for some to make a name for themselves or improve their standing in the eyes of the nation’s elite college programs.

Chris Early, has shown he's a winner in both high school and AAU hoops.

For Huntington, WV native Chris Early, is was the latter, as he made a name for himself and gave a verbal commitment to the University of Oklahoma and new head coach Jeff Capel in June.

Early helped lead Huntington to back-to-back AAA state championships at the high school level.

“I really like the coaching staff and what they had to say”, said Early - who is in the class of 2007 - about what led him to pick OU.

“They talked to my family and they liked the staff as well, so I decided it was the best fit for me.”

Traveling with a Boo Williams Summer League squad that featured standout performers like PF Pat Patterson, PF Ed Davis and PG Chris Wright, it may have seemed difficult for Early to make his presence felt, but he did just that.

Boo Williams Summer League's namesake, director, and head coach, Boo Williams, seen here directing his charges during the Peach Jam, has coached numerous eventual pros, including Allen Iverson, Alonzo Mourning, and Joe Smith.

At the Nike Peach Jam in July, Early showed his developing shooting and ball handling skills in front of nearly every major college coach, including his future basketball tutor, Capel.

After a solid ten-point, four rebound opening game performance versus Howard Pulley from Minnesota, Chris seemed like he was pressing and trying to prove his merit in front of Capel, scoring six points and grabbing three boards, while also committing three turnovers and four personal fouls. Once he let the game come to him, Early began to display his multipurpose skills on offense and defense, finishing the tournament with averages of seven points and two rebounds. Boo Williams would later bow out to eventual champion Meanstreets Express.

“The competition is so much better there than back in West Virginia”, said Early. “It really helps your game to play against the best in the country. It also exposes your weaknesses and let’s you know what you need to work on.”

New OU coach Jeff Capel recruited Chris Early - who is shown here in Peach Jam action - during his tenure at VCU.

Before Oklahoma secured a commitment from the 6’7, 215-pound athlete, Marshall, Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth and Virginia Tech showed considerable interest. Jeff Capel, formerly the head man at VCU, recruited Chris while at the Richmond institution and Early rewarded the new Oklahoma coach with his pledge once he changed addresses.

“I think I can bring versatility, rebounding and defense to Oklahoma. Those are the strengths of my game”, opined Chris.