Rick Pitino has pulled in his first recruit to Iona.
Ryan Myers, a 6-foot-2 JUCO scoring guard, committed to Pitino earlier today.
Myers averaged 20.4 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists this season at Garden City (Kan.) Community College. He also shot 44.4 percent from 3-point range.
“Him coming aboard was definitely the main reason why I considered Iona,” said Myers, a senior guard from Queens power Christ the King. “Not to downplay Iona, which has had a great history of winning. Just, honestly, it wasn’t really under consideration. But it’s hard to say no to coach Rick. He can change my life.”
That reputation helped the Hall-of-Fame coach secure his first commitments since coming aboard. Junior college guard Tahlik Chavez picked Iona Sunday and Myers followed suit Monday.
“Who wouldn’t want to play for a coach like Rick Pitino?” Myers said by phone. “He’s a winner. He gets guys where they want to be, both in life and their career, on and off the court. To have that opportunity, I’m blessed. I can’t wait to get coached by him.”
Like Myers, Chavez said playing for Pitino factored heavily in his decision. The coached first contacted him last weekend, and Chavez picked Iona over Tulsa.
“I picked Iona because it was best for me and my future and what my aspirations are in life playing basketball,” Chavez said Monday by text. “I feel like playing with Rick Pitino could make me a better player and person as a whole and give me the best opportunities in life.”
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