The Drake Bulldogs had a very big week as the program added three recruits.
The first domino to fall was point guard Karl Madison of Springfield (Ill.) Lanphier. Within a few days, he had company in Des Moines.
Rayvonte Rice, a wing out of state champion Champaign (Ill.) Centennial and Jeremy Jeffers, also a wing, from Wilson (N.C.) Greenfield popped on Thursday.
“They worked really, really hard and when I got there it was a pretty easy decision,” said Jeffers, who took his official last weekend. “It’s a good conference – the Missouri Valley – and the competition is good. (Phelps) wants me to be a leader on the team.”
Jeffers started on a state semifinalist squad as a junior. Noted for his jump shot, he was recruited by Harvard, Davidson, Bucknell and UNC-Wilmington.
Rice, a powerful combo wing, averaged 17 points a game last season.
“Their leading scorer is leaving this year,” Rice said. “I went on an unofficial late in the summer and he showed me where I fit in. Not just scoring but where I penetrate and dish and how I fit.”
Rice will take his official visit to Drake this weekend.