As promised after last Thursday’s big announcement, here is a look at the University of Virginia’s newest basketball commitment, Sylven Landesberg.
Why UVa chose him:
Measuring up at 6’6’’ and 195 lbs, Sylven Landesberg is rated as a four-star prospect and the #11 overall shooting guard in the class of 2008, garnering the honor of being the #55 overall prospect in the entire country. Landesberg earned this elite status with his play both at his high school, Holy Cross, and his AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team, the Metro Hawks.
As a sophomore, he averaged 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 21 points per game, numbers that placed him among the leaders for his age group. Landesberg did nothing but improve upon his already stellar numbers the next year as he established himself as a true star. Averaging 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 27 points per game, Landesberg showed hoops experts everywhere that he was for real.
Although rated as a shooting guard, Landesberg’s versatility was a big draw for the Cavaliers. He could potentially play point guard, shooting guard, or small forward. His all-around ability does not really project him to one position but gives him many options. Although known for his ability to “put the ball in the hole,” Landesberg is also an outstanding defensive player. He is a great rebounder, averaging nearly a double-double every game. Offensively, he is a pure-shooter with good vision.
His high school coach, Paul Gilvary, agrees with this point. "He is very good with the ball in his hands when he is in the front court because he is such a good passer," Gilvary added, "He can bring the ball up the court. He is a tremendous shooter. There are lots of ways he can score. He creates match-up problems for other teams. If a team is guarding him with a small guy, he is 6’6’’ and long. If a bigger guy is guarding him, he can take them off the dribble. He brings a lot of versatility. He doesn't care what position he will play. As long as he is one of the first five, he'll be happy."
Next year, Landesberg will help fill out a great backcourt for the future. Along with current first-year Jeff Jones and the possibility of stud athlete Elliot Williams, Virginia certainly looks to be a national contender for years to come.
Photo by Rise Magazine
Why Landesburg chose UVa:
Among a final five of St. John’s, Georgia Tech, Texas, Kentucky, and Virginia, the Wahoos were certainly in good company throughout the recruitment of Sylven Landesberg. Virginia offered many possibilities to the young star, but several stood out above the rest.
Being comfortable with UVa’s program was a definite necessity. "All three schools offered great things, but I would say I felt the most comfortable when I went to Virginia," said Landesberg. "I felt comfortable with the players. Those are great guys and I got along with them really good. I like the coaching staff and I think they can make me better."
Important to all players, playing time and the current roster were also factors. "Virginia has an opportunity for me to come in and have an immediate impact at either the 1 or the 2. I want to be able to play a lot of minutes as a freshman, and they've got that opportunity there,” Landesberg indicated.
Also, Landesberg felt good about Charlottesville in general: “It’s a real nice city. I basically got to see the Main Street area where the students hang out. It looked like a real fun place.”
Finally, Landesberg said that the most important factor in his decision was his recruiter, Coach Dave Leitao, and the rest of the UVa basketball staff. "I would say he had the biggest factor, actually," Landesberg pointed out about Leitao. "I was looking for a great coaching staff. Coach Leitao and Coach Courtney seem like sensible guys. I feel like I can talk to them about anything. I think they are doing great things."
Cavalier fans across the country should join in Landesberg’s excitement about his upcoming entrance into the Virginia family. “I’m very excited,” Landserberg said, “I think I made a great choice. I can’t wait to get there.”
Last update : Thursday, 04 October 2007
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