Travis McKie is hoping to make an impact right away at Wake Forest.
Travis McKie, a 6-7 wing forward from John Marshall who was being
recruited by more than a half-dozen ACC schools, has decided to attend
Wake Forest.
McKie, who is ranked the 36th-best player in his class by scout.com, a Web
site specializing in recruiting, said he considered the Demon Deacons to
be a perfect fit.
"They made me their No.1 priority since day one," McKie said. "I built a
good relationship with Coach [Dino] Gaudio and Coach [Pat] Kelsey.
"It's a great school, close to home. It's the ACC. I can come in and make
an impact. And I can reach All-American there."
McKie, whose name rhymes with sky, was named the Richmond Times-Dispatch's
player of the year after averaging 21 points and 10 rebounds as a junior
for John Marshall. He actually attends Richmond Community High School,
which is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as one of the nation's best
high schools.
Because Richmond Community High School has no basketball team, he plays
for coach Frank Threatts at John Marshall. Threatts told the
Times-Dispatch that McKie is one of the best to ever play for him in his
more than 35 years as the school's coach.
"He's a beast inside," Threatts said. "He can intimidate people because he
can block shots, and he's a fierce rebounder. I want to keep him [inside],
even though he should be on the outside. He's grown in every aspect of the
game."
Including size. Listed by most reports at 6-6, McKie said he's now 6-7.
He said he chose Wake Forest over a list of offers that included Clemson,
Virginia, Virginia Tech, Alabama, Georgia Tech, VCU, Maryland and Boston
College.
"I can do anything," McKie said. "I shoot the ball well. I run the floor.
I rebound well. I just make plays and try to win."
McKie said his decision ultimately came down to the place he felt he was
most wanted.
"At one point, it was just between Wake and Clemson because they were
recruiting me the hardest," McKie said. "And everybody else either had a
coaching change or I hadn't heard from them in a long time.
"The NCAA requirements are that you can only go see a player seven times.
Wake used all those seven visits, and Coach Gaudio has been to five of
them. So that tells a lot."

http://www.timesdispatch.com/rtd/sports/local_other/article/MCKIE23_20090422-222607/263036