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Grimsley becomes first recruit of Geno Ford era

By David Carducci

Record-Courier staff writer

Alex Grimsley is the first Kent State recruit of the Geno Ford era.

The 6-foot-6, 210-pound power forward from Batesville High School in southern Indiana verbally committed to play for the Golden Flashes' new head coach Sunday afternoon.

"I visited last week, my family and I talked about it Saturday night, and we decided Kent State was the best place for me," said Grimsley. "This whole time, I wanted to go to the best program with the best coaching staff, and when I got to Kent, that all came together. I'm really excited."

Grimsley chose Kent State over an offer from Central Michigan. Miami (Ohio), IUPUI, Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne and North Florida also showed interest, according to Rivals.com.

Matt Denison's Hoosier Hills Hoops Web site has Grimsley ranked No. 8 among high school prospects in southern Indiana. That list includes 6-foot-11 North Carolina recruit Tyler Zeller (Washington High School), 6-5 Louisville recruit Kyle Kuric (Evansville Memorial) and 6-7 Butler recruit Garrett Butcher (Ellettsville Edgewood).

"It helps you get better playing in this area because you get to play against the best competition," said Grimsley. "I've played AAU basketball against guys from all over the nation, and I think Indiana has the best players."

Grimsley averaged 19 points, eight rebounds and four assists per game while playing for one of the area's top teams. Batesville finished 24-3 last season, losing only to teams ranked No. 1 in the state in their respective divisions.

"We lost our first game of the year to the No. 1 team in Division I-A, then in midseason we lost to New Albany," said Grimsley. "They were undefeated and the best team in the state. Then we lost to Washington with Tyler Zeller."

Some scouts have compared Grimsley's style of play to former Miami (Ohio) star Tim Pollitz. The two players have similar size and a similar work ethic.

"I'm a hard worker," said Grimsley. "That's what I'm coming to Kent to do -- to work. The coaches at Kent State told me they want me to play the four (power forward) position and mainly guard the post, but also move around a lot on the outside, too."

Grimsley may be a bit more athletic and have a bit more range than the typical Mid-American Conference power forward. A highlight film of Grimsley playing against Indiana's 2007 recruiting class in an exhibition game posted on YouTube shows him hitting a few long 3-pointers, soaring to the rim to slam home an alley-oop, and slashing to the basket for several layups.