CHARLOTTESVILLE – If Dave Leitao can pull this one off, it will rank among the greatest recruiting coups in any sport in University of Virginia history.

Renardo Sidney, a 6-10, 250-pound senior from Fairfax High in Los Angeles, is coming to U.Va. with his family for an unofficial visit this weekend.

He’s scheduled to arrive Saturday and leave Monday.  Virginia opens the season Sunday at 4 p.m. against VMI at John Paul Jones Arena, and Sidney will be on hand.

Sidney is no ordinary prospect.  He’s ranked No. 5 in the Class of 2009 by Scout.com and No. 10 by Rivals.com.  He’s also a solid student.

He’s been pursued for years by the nation’s elite programs, including UCLA, but I’m told Sidney is intrigued by the possibility of doing for a lesser-known team what Michael Beasley did last season for Kansas State.  If U.Va. turned out to be that team, Sidney might not stay more than one season before bolting for the NBA, but the coaching staff apparently would be happy to take that gamble.

Leitao, the Cavaliers’ fourth-year coach, traveled to California recently on a recruiting trip, and he’s established a strong bond with Sidney and his parents.  That the Sidney family is willing to pay its way for a trip to Charlottesville indicates its level of interest in U.Va.

Sidney grew up in Mississippi.  He moved with his family to California before his 10th-grade year.

The NCAA’s early-signing period begins Wednesday, and Virginia will add forward Tristan Spurlock and point guard Jontel Evans for 2009-10.  The Cavaliers would like nothing better than for Sidney to join the class by signing a letter of intent before he heads home early next week. Stay tuned.

—30—

Posted by Jeff White in • College Sports • University of Virginia
(0) Comments | Permalink