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News Nuggets, 05.05.04
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Compiled from staff reports and electronic dispatches

Prolific scorer King joins ECU recruiting class

Sharpshooter Josh King, North Carolina's Associated Press high school basketball player of the year, has accepted a scholarship to East Carolina, Pirates coach Bill Herrion announced on Tuesday.

The 5-11 guard from Trinity High School led his team to the state 3-A title this past season, culminating a career in which he became the leading three-point shooter in N.C. prep basketball history.

"We're very happy to get Josh," Herrion said in the announcement. "He is an instate kid that comes from a winning program and a kid that knows what it takes to be successful."

King also knows what it takes to get the ball in the basket from long range, an attribute that gives Herrion optimism about the potential for the Pirates to develop a more diverse offensive attack.

"His strength as a player is shooting the basketball from the perimeter, which is a real positive for us because that helps fill a need that we have," Herrion noted in a press release issued by ECU's media relations office.

As a senior, King set a state high school single-season record for three-point field goals made with 164, boosting his career-record total of goals made from behind the arc to 416, surpassing the previous N.C. career mark by 141 field goals.

On top of his AP honor, King was named the NCHSAA 3A Player of Year and MVP of the 3A West Regional, in addition to being named conference and county player of the year.

King joins an ECU recruiting class that also includes 6-10 center Charles Bronson of Philadelphia (PA) Lutheran Academy, 6-6 forward Jonathan Hart of Roselle (NJ) Abraham Clark High School and junior college post player 6-8 Mike Castro of Brooklyn (NY) Allegany College.

Troubled N.C. prep star wants to be Cowboy

STILLWATER, OK — The leading scorer in North Carolina high school basketball history appears ready to sign with Oklahoma State after the Tar Heels rescinded his scholarship over a drug conviction.

JamesOn Curry, who visited campus last weekend, could sign as early as Tuesday, according to published reports.

"They really want him, and they did a good job coming in and recruiting him," Curry's high school coach, John Moon, told the Tulsa World.

"And he loved his visit out there," Moon said, adding, "and when I talked to him (Sunday) night, you could just feel the excitement and enthusiasm that he had for Oklahoma State."

Curry, a 6-foot-3 guard, pleaded guilty April 5 to six felony counts: two each of possession with intent to sell and deliver marijuana; two each of the sale of marijuana and two each of delivering marijuana.

North Carolina coach Roy Williams pulled his scholarship offer two days later. He was kicked off his high school team after his February arrest.

Curry, 18, was sentenced to 36 months of probation; various fines, including $600 for lab fees to test the marijuana; $200 in court costs and 200 hours of community service.

Curry could not be reached for comment.

Moon said he believes Curry's legal troubles were a one-time mistake.

"I feel like Oklahoma State is getting a great kid and a great player, and he's getting a great coach and a great situation," Moon said.

Curry scored 3,307 points at Eastern Alamance High School, averaged 40.3 points per game and scored 40 points or more 24 times. He holds 14 North Carolina high school records.

Curry would join Julius Lamptey and Aaron Pettway in the Cowboys' recruiting class.

News Nuggets are compiled periodically from staff, ECU, Conference USA and its member schools, and from Associated Press and other reports. Copyright 2004 Bonesville.net and other publishers. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Page Updated: 02/23/2007