Northwestern signs 7-footer from Lake Forest Academy
Rowley makes group Carmody's best haul
By Neil Milbert | Chicago Tribune reporter8:22 PM CDT, May 12, 2008
Northwestern basketball fans' dreams of a big man who can make an impact in the Big Ten appear to have come true.
Coach Bill Carmody announced the signing of 7-foot, 280-pound Lake Forest Academy center Kyle Rowley on Monday, completing a 2008-09 recruiting class that is considered the best in his eight seasons at NU.
Previously, Carmody signed 6-11 center Luke Mirkovic, a Serb who spent last season at LaLumiere Academy in Indiana, 6-9 Davide Curletti of St. Mary's in Orchard Lake, Mich., Glenbard West power forward John Shurma and Batavia shooting guard Nick Fruendt.
"It's a nice recruiting class that addresses the problem of size and frontcourt depth with which we certainly have struggled," Carmody said.
"Kyle is a physical presence. He's certainly going to be given the opportunity to get in there and compete immediately. He has an excellent understanding of the game. He sees things and can pass out of the low post.
"We can do some high-low stuff with him and Luke. They're both big kids, but they have different skills. Both of them like it around the basket. Luke is more able to step out and make longer-range shots, but Kyle is getting better at it."
A native of Trinidad who came to Lake Forest Academy in 2007, Rowley chose Northwestern over Ohio State, Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgetown and Pittsburgh.
Rowley, who played for Trinidad and Tobago's Under-18 team last summer, originally planned to attend Lake Forest Academy for another year. But he had enough core courses to graduate and decided to accept Carmody's scholarship offer after averaging 14 points, eight rebounds and two blocked shots last season. He also was an all-league selection in track and field, specializing in shot put and discus.