Pitino's U of L recruiting class ranks as high as fifth

Louisville Coach Rick Pitino's 2011 signing class includes two out-of-state transfers at Kentucky high schools and ranks among the nation's best.

Chane Behanan, a 6-foot-7, 250-pound forward, at Bowling Green; Zach Price, a 6-10, 230-pounder at Jeffersontown; and Wayne Blackshear, a 6-5, 205-pound guard from Chicago signed national letters of intent Wednesday, and are all ranked among the top 50 in the nation. The class is rated fifth by ESPN.com, sixth by Scout.com and seventh by Rivals.com.

Behanan averaged 21.2 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 2.8 blocks as a junior at Bowling Green last year after transferring from Aiken High in Cincinnati. He had nine triple-doubles for the Purples, who fell to Warren Central in double overtime in the 4th Region title game. He was a first-team Associated Press All-State selection.

"Chane reminds me so much of Rodney McCray," Pitino said. "He has good size, is a great leaper and ball handler and is tough."

Price, who went to St. Edward High School near Cleveland last season, averaged 9.1 points a game as a junior. The Eagles finished 20-5, and Price got honorable-mention All-Northeast Lakes District honors.

"Everything lies ahead for Zach," Pitino said. "He has good size, a soft touch and good hands. He's a left-handed big man, which can be difficult to defend. "

Blackshear averaged 29.2 points and 14.2 rebounds as a junior to lead Morgan Park to the 2010 Chicago Public League title.

"Wayne has the potential to be as good of a basketball player as I've recruited since I've been in this game," Pitino said.

This story was originally published November 10, 2010 at 10:03 PM with the headline "Pitino's U of L recruiting class ranks as high as fifth."