Canisius College men's basketball
coach Tom Parrotta announced today
that Phil Valenti (Victor, N.Y.) has
signed his National Letter of Intent and will join the Golden Griffins' roster
for the 2012-13 season.
Valenti, a 6-foot-7, 195-pound
forward is currently in his senior season at Aquinas High School in Rochester,
N.Y. Last year as a junior, Valenti averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds per game
for the Little Irish, and helped the team to the New York State Class A
Tournament, where Aquinas lost to Jamesville-DeWitt in the semifinal round.
Described as a quality passer, Valenti averaged four assists per game while
leading the team in rebounding.
"We are very excited to welcome
Phil into the fold here at Canisius," Parrotta said. "He is without a doubt one
of the toughest, hardest working high school kids out there. I think he will
fit in nicely with what we have returning and will challenge immediately for
minutes. With Freddy Asprilla, Jordan Heath and Isaac Sosa becoming eligible
next season, that will present us with an extremely talented roster from top to
bottom."
The Golden Griffins are currently
1-3 on the year and will return to action Friday, Dec. 2, when the team takes
on Iona in the 2011-112 home opener. That game against the Gaels will also
serve as the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference opener for both squads as well.
Tipoff in the Koessler Athletic Center on "PACK the KAC" Night is set for 7
p.m.
