High-Scoring Rush Signs With UCLA

UCLA Coach Steve Lavin picked up an important recruit Wednesday when 6-foot-7 forward JaRon Rush of Kansas City (Mo.) Pembroke Hill High signed a letter of intent with the Bruins.

Rush, a McDonald’s All-American, is recognized for his quickness and exceptional scoring skills. He averaged 32 points and 13.2 rebounds.

“He’s an impact player who can come in as a freshman and help our program stay at the level we’re at,” Lavin said. “Offensively, he’s probably as explosive a player as there is in the country in the freshman class. He has the ability to shoot long distance or beat you off the dribble.”

Rush has played in two all-star games with another UCLA signee, 6-4 Ray Young of Alameda St. Joseph’s Notre Dame. The Bruins earlier signed 6-7 Matt Barnes from Del Campo Fair Oaks near Sacramento.

Lavin will have to wait several weeks to learn the decision of 6-11 All-American Dan Gadzuric of Governor Dummer Academy in Byfield, Mass. The Bruins are a leading contender to sign Gadzuric, who also is considering the NBA draft. UCLA has a commitment from 6-10 Jerome Moiso of Milford Academy (Milford, Conn.), but he still needs to achieve a qualifying test score.

USC Coach Henry Bibby was expected to complete his recruiting class Wednesday by signing All-City guard Brandon Granville of Westchester. Granville would be the fifth USC signee, all of whom played on state championship teams this past season.

“I’m very happy,” Bibby said. “We’re trying to build on guys who’ve been in winning programs and know how to win.”

Granville and 6-7 forward David Bluthenthal led Westchester to the Division I state championship. The other USC signees are 6-7 forward Sam Clancy of Fairfield (Ohio) St. Edwards, 6-9 forward Brian Scalabrine of Highline Community College (Wash.) and 6-3 guard Quincy Wilder of Highline.