Sometimes recruiting can be a long drawn out process. Other times, it happens in a flash. The latter was the case for Miami Dade C.C. small forward Darnell Dodson.

After John Calipari left his post at Memphis to take the head coaching job at Kentucky, there was little doubt in Dodson's mind that he wanted to follow in his coach's footsteps and in a matter of weeks, Dodson asked for his release from Memphis and pulled the trigger Wednesday night, committing to Calipari at Kentucky.

"I felt it was the best school for me," Dodson told Kentucky Ink Wednesday evening.

As Greenbelt (Md.) Eleanor Roosevelt High School's all-time leading scorer (1,262 points), Dodson committed to Pittsburgh in 2006 and enrolled the following summer. He was later informed by the NCAA Clearinghouse that he had failed to qualify academically. He subsequently left Pitt, enrolling at Miami Dade C.C. After redshirting the 2007-2008 season at Miami Dade, a Big East rule prohibited him from returning to Pitt, or any other Big East school, and Dodson eventually landed at Memphis, committing to the Tigers after a campus visit in October.

A versatile forward at 6-foot-7, 215 pounds, Dodson can play and score from almost anywhere on the court, making him an ideal addition to Calipari's famed dribble-drive motion offense.

That, along with the fact that Kentucky assistant coach Orlando Antigua once helped recruit him to Pitt, had a lot to do with Dodson's decision.

"Yes it did," Dodson said. "The way he coaches is the style of basketball I like to play."

As far as the school itself, Dodson admitted to not knowing much about UK. Well, other than it's storied history.

"I just know about the history," Dodson said. "(There's) a lot of tradition."

This past season, Dodson averaged over 15 points and five rebounds per game for the Sharks, who were one of the top JUCO programs in the country. Showcasing his versatility at 6-7, Dodson also connected on 41 three-pointers on the season.

The Dodson commitment certainly serves to soften the loss of Xavier Henry to Kansas, providing the Cats with a versatile scorer on the wing. Dodson will have three years of eligibility remaining. 

Scouts, Inc. Evaluation

November, 2008: Dodson originally signed with Pittsburgh but failed to qualify through the NCAA Clearinghouse academically. He redshirted last year at Miami Dade and should have 3 years to play. Dodson is a quick and athletic small forward who uses his perimeter jumper to set up his slashing and pull up game when needed. He can knock down open jumpers off the catch and dribble if the defense gives him space. He also has range from 20 to 22 feet. He has improved his strength and is finishing stronger at the basket.

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