Harrell pledge adds to Bennett’s big week

Who says these are the dog days of summer? They certainly aren’t for the Virginia men’s basketball coaching staff.

On Wednesday, the staff received a verbal commitment from rising high school senior K.T. Harrell.

Harrell, a 6-3, 195-pound shooting guard from Brewbaker Tech Magnet in Alabama, is the second prep player to commit to Virginia in the last three days.

On Monday, Bennett and his staff received a verbal from Joe Harris, a 6-foot-5 wing player from Chelan, Wash.

Harrell, who chose Virginia over Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi State, is the highest-rated recruit that UVa has landed. According to Rivals.com, Harrell is a 4-star prospect, while Harris and forward Will Regan are rated at 3 stars.

“Harrell is an explosive athlete,” said recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons of All Star Sports. “He can play wing or point guard.”

Harrell and Harris should be able to complement each other. Harris, who is a little bigger than Harrell, can play some at the “3,” while Harrell is more of a “2.”

“Harris is a totally different type of player from Harrell,” Gibbons said. “Harrell can evolve into a point guard and Harris can play either shooting guard or small forward. He’s got a good body and skill level.

“Those are two good top-100 level additions for them to go with Will Regan. They’re off to a very good start — to have three players this early who can definitely play in the ACC.”

With the departure of center John Brandenburg last month, Bennett still has two scholarships at his disposal. According to sources, the staff is focused on bringing in a combo guard and another big man.

Guard options include Trae Golden of Powder Springs, Ga., and Kyrie Irving of Elizabeth, N.J. Bennett’s top post targets are James Johnson from San Diego and Michael Cobbins from Amarillo, Texas. Derrick Williams, a power forward from Jersey City, N.J., could also be in the mix.