HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Marshall University head men’s basketball coach Dan D’Antoni officially welcomed center Iran Bennett (Raleigh, N.C./Hargrave Military Academy), guard Darius George (Staunton, Va./Robert E. Lee High School) and forward Tanner Robinette (Honaker, Va./Hargrave Military Academy), who each signed a National Letter of Intent to be a part of the men’s basketball program.
“We’re looking forward to the class,” D’Anotni said. “We have a great and well-rounded group of guys that should help take basketball to the next level.”
Bennett, a fringe three-star and four-star recruit, will join the Herd following a standout career at Hargrave’s post-graduate program under head coach A.W. Hamilton.
“I would say Iran is Shaq-like,” D’Antoni said. “He’s athletic for his size. He has great feet and hands. He fits this system tremendously with pick and rolls. He has an effective game both offensively and defensively. He has the type of talent to possible be in the NBA.”
The 6-10, 325-pound center played a key role with the Hargrave team that went 47-1 and captured the 2016 Prep National Championship. The Raleigh, N.C., native averaged 11 points and eight boards per game in the 2015-16 season. This season, Bennett is averaging 9.3 rebounds and 3.3 blocks a game.
“You won’t find a better person than Iran Bennett,” Hamilton said. “His personality and individual character are invaluable to our program, and on top of that, he has the potential to make it all the way to the NBA. I’m so grateful that Iran’s family has shared him with us for the past two years. He has come such a long way in all aspects, and I could not be more proud of the young man that he is turning into. Iran instantly makes Marshall a team to beat in the Conference USA.”
Robinette, Bennett’s teammate, is a 6-8 forward who spent time at Honaker High School before joining Hargrave’s post-grad program.
“I saw Tanner Robinette two years ago in Las Vegas,” D’Antoni said. “He played against a guy that was supposed to go to Stanford. I feel like Robinette out-played him at the time. He’s strong, has big hands and has a touch to go in and out. He can be a ball-handling type of point forward. For us, he’s a smart kid that plays hard, but he does all of the little things to make us really good.”
While at Honaker, Robinette scored 2,001 points and grabbed 1,500 rebounds through his career. In his senior season, he averaged 28 points, 16.6 rebounds and five blocks per game.
“I’m thrilled for Tanner and his family,” Hamilton said. “Tanner is a phenomenal young man who has worked extremely hard to get where he is today. Marshall is truly a special place and they are getting a special player.”
George rounds out the list having played under head coach Jarrett Hatcher at Robert E. Lee. The 6-7, 185, guard is currently No. 11 all-time scorer in Robert E. Lee history and is 13 points shy of the No. 10 spot.
“We watched Darius last summer when he played for his AAU team with Jarrod West,” D’Antoni said. “He grew in stature every time I saw him and watched him play. He’s a tall wing, and it looks like there is still a lot of physical growth left for him. He’s already extremely athletic. He has long arms and a big frame. He’ll be a very good basketball player.”
George has scored 1,128 points for his career, averaging 22.5 points per game. The Staunton, Va., native finished his junior season shooting 38 percent from the 3-point area, 58 percent of his field goals and scored more than 25 points in 11 different games. He also led the Leemen with 115 defensive rebounds, 30 blocked shots and 54 steals.
“I have been fortunate to coach three division I players in my career here at Lee,” Hatcher said. “We have had 17 division players in the last 50 years, so it is always a great thing to have for your school and community. The fact that a kid gets to follow his dream to play college hoops is all about the athlete.  Darius is a good student, fantastic member of our community and just happens to be a really good basketball player. I am very proud of Darius and excited for him to further his education. Darius’ skill set is evolving. He is a player that in high school can play all five positions. He is long and athletic. He is a good shooter and also finishes very well around the rim. He is a very versatile player that can score inside or behind the arc.”
Fans wanting to see both Bennett and Robinette can catch them on Thursday, No. 10, when Hargrave takes on Huntington Prep at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Tickets for the upcoming 2016-17 season are on sale now through the Marshall Athletic Ticket Office for as low as $10.00 per game, and season ticket renewals have been mailed. For more information, call the Marshall Athletic Ticket Office at (800) THE-HERD or by email at herdtickets@marshall.edu.