Underwood Understands A&T

Ron Bailey, Publisher

Jeremy finds all things favorable at North Carolina's flagship HBCU.

November 18, 2009 - Increasingly things like facilities, charter flights and other bells and whistles are touted as luring players to Division I schools. The school of thought makes sense, as who doesn't like fancy trappings?

But in the final analysis, a student athlete's connection with a program is what largely drives commitment decisions. Jeremy Underwood applies here.

"It is a great fit for me, I like everything about the school" said Underwood earlier this week of what drove his decision to accept a scholarship to North Carolina A&T. The Aggies were chosen over Cornell and UMBC - both offered and were not visited - and Mount St. Marys.

Jeremy Underwood with his coach, Vaughn Jones, signing his letter of intent.

Underwood's feel for the school was cemented by his Homecoming visit to the HBCU (Historically Black College and University).

"It was a real good experience" said the 5'10", 175 pound scoring point guard of his October 30th trip to the MEAC institution. "I liked what I saw. I went to the practice, toured the school. I just liked what I saw".

On the court, Underwood, who hails from the Fairfax Village neighborhood in S.E., Washington, DC scores, driving and shooting, but can also run a team. Sitting in a comfortable conference room at his high school, Calvin Coolidge (DC), Jeremy relayed an understanding of what he needs to further develop for college: "I need to probably work on my leadership, I've got to keep a positive mind set. Keep my head up and my teammate's up. Lead by example...I'm also working on better court vision and getting teammates involved".

His coach at Coolidge, Vaughn Jones, thinks highly of Underwood.

"He's the best of several good guards I've had" shared Vaughn. "Zach Webb, Dequantay Thompson, Dirky Washington. He's the best shooter I've ever had. He's a combo guard, we run alot of stuff for him. He should be close to scoring 20 points a game".

According to Vaughn, Underwood, who dropped 14 points, four rebounds and around three assists with a 2:1 turnover ratio last year, is a McDonald All American candidate.

Jeremy, who understands the need to juggle academics and basketball with North Carolina A & T's social life (he plans on majoring in Business Management), expressed goals this year of "I want to win a championship and want my team to be better".

His signing has a good chance of improving A&T.

Notes:

Underwood was recruited by Walter Booth, a DMV product.

His GPA is around 2.9, though he expects a 3.4 this quarter.

Underwood is impressed with A&T's head coach, Jerry Eaves, and the school's academic support structure.

Favorite Food: Candied Yams

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