Wade rounds out fall signing

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – Arkansas men’s basketball added a third signee to their list of commitments on Friday with the receipt of Mardracus Wade’s national letter of intent Razorback head coach John Pelphrey announced.

Wade originally hails from Memphis, Tenn., but is currently attending Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. Wade is the No. 103 prospect in the nation by Rivals.com and is considered a three-star prospect by the online publication.

"Mardracus is a young man that we have had a chance to get to know for some time," Pelphrey said. "We want to do a good job in Memphis where some of the Razorback greats have come from. He is a combo guard who has the ability to impact a game on both ends of the floor, on offense and defense. He is a good person and an exceptional student who loves the Razorbacks."

As a junior for Mitchell High School in Memphis, Wade average 19.3 points per game over a 23-game schedule and led his squad to runner-up honors at the state championship. At 6-2, Wade also gives the Razorbacks added size at the guard position.

"We are very excited to have Mardracus as a part of our program," Razorback assistant coach Tom Ostrom said. "We targeted Memphis as an important recruiting area and are excited to have him as a Razorback. He is as committed a defender as there is in the country. He is a true gym rat and will add lot of character to our program both on and off the floor."

Wade’s coach at Hargrave, Kevin Keatts, echoes the comments of Ostrom when discussing his latest protégé.

"Arkansas is getting a kid that has a great attitude," Keatts said. "He gets there early and leaves late, can score inside and out and plays solid defense. He is a very good kid who is serious about his academics. He made a commitment to play at a military school which shows his dedication as an all around person and player."

The signing of Wade gives the Razorbacks a very good 2010 early signing class that includes 6-3 combo guard and No. 75 overall player by Rivals.com Rickey Scott and 6-9 junior college preseason All-American Marvell Waithe.

The Razorbacks take the floor for their season opener tonight at 7 p.m. against Alcorn St. at Bud Walton Arena. For more information regarding Razorback men’s basketball or University of Arkansas athletics, please visit ArkansasRazorbacks.com.