Division I regional track finals
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Home > Blogs > Flyer Connection: University of Dayton sports > Archives > 2008 > November > 12
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Flyers land local prize in Kavanaugh
Centerville senior center Matt Kavanaugh signed a national letter-of-intent with Dayton today, which not only gives the Flyers a quality big man but also keeps their streak alive of keeping top talent at home.
It started with Trotwood-Madison’s Chris Wright in 2007-08, followed by Dunbar’s Josh Benson (2008-09) and now Kavanaugh (2009-10). Thurgood Marshall’s Juwan Staten, who is just a junior this year, has already committed to the Flyers, too.
“It’s the third straight year, in my opinion, that the best player in the Dayton area has signed to play for the Flyers,” UD coach Brian Gregory said. “You look at all the great Flyer teams of the past, and we’ve always had players from our own backyard playing for those teams. Matt will be another example of that.
“He’s not only an outstanding player, but a high-character kid. He comes from a great family and a program I have an unbelievable amount of respect for.”
With Josh Benson likely redshirting this year and Kavanaugh coming on board next season, the Flyers could have a potent inside one-two punch with that duo in a couple of years.
The Flyers are still hoping to land one more local prize in the 2010-11 class in Jefferson’s Adreian Payne, a mobile 6-foot-10 center with oodles of potential.
Centerville coach Jim Staley said Kavanaugh, who was 6-foot-2 as a freshman, was measured at 6-9 in stocking feet this season. He played in the backcourt while coming up through the youth ranks and still has those perimeter skills.
Kavanaugh, who averaged 20.3 points and 10 rebounds as a junior, appears to still be growing. He was measured at 6-foot-8 1/4 last year.
“I think he can play inside and out (in college),” Staley said. “I think his biggest strengths are he’s strong, he runs very well and he’s got good hands.
“He can handle the ball. We use him to beat presses all the time. If (opponents) are big enough, they’re not going to be quick enough to stay with him.”
