Morehead's Woods announces first three signees

New Morehead State men's basketball coach Sean Woods announced the signings of his first three recruits on Saturday.

Taariq Muhammad of Atlanta, Chad Posthumus of Winnipeg, Canada, and Cordell James of Chattanooga, Tenn., will join the program for the 2012-13 school year.

"We are very excited about these three young men," said Woods, the former University of Kentucky "Unforgettable" who took over the Morehead job last month after Donnie Tyndall left for Southern Mississippi. "They are all very talented basketball players and high character people. The combination of our returning players and newcomers should make us very competitive this upcoming season."

Muhammad, a 6-foot-2 point guard, has two years of eligibility remaining after playing two junior-college seasons.

Muhammad, listed by Rivals.com as the country's 90th-best player during his final prep season, was also being recruited by Auburn, Clemson, Memphis, Miami (Fla.), Minnesota, Oregon, Penn State, South Carolina, Southern California, Tennessee and Virginia Tech.

"This level doesn't see too many point guards like Taariq," Woods said. "He is big, strong, long and heady. He will have a chance to play significant minutes for us, with his maturity and ability."

Posthumus, a 6-foot-11, 270-pound center, also has two years of eligibility left.

He was recognized as one of the top five high school players in Canada as a senior after averaging 39 points, 25 rebounds and seven blocked shots. Posthumus once scored 69 points in a high school basketball game.

Posthumus was also being recruited by Loyola (Ill.), San Francisco, South Dakota State, Washington State and Wichita State.

"Chad can be a fixture here the next two years," Woods said. "He has high-major size and potential off the charts. He's mobile, with great hands, and can even do a back flip."

James, a 6-foot-1 combo guard, brings four years of eligibility to Morehead State. He has played the past four seasons at McCallie Prep School.

A McDonald's All-America nominee and participant in multiple All-Star Games, James averaged 12 points and four assists as a senior.

James cancelled an official visit to Penn State after committing during his visit to MSU. He was also being recruited by UAB.

"Cordell is a coach's jewel," Woods said. "He is a hard worker and overachiever who is explosive, strong and heady. He will be much better than people think."

This story was originally published June 16, 2012 at 8:34 PM with the headline "Morehead's Woods announces first three signees."