Harrell turning heads

It took former Virginia coach Dave Leitao three years to reel in a high school McDonald’s All-American — Sylven Landesberg.

There’s a chance UVa coach Tony Bennett may have landed one in his very first recruiting go-round.

K.T. Harrell, a 6-foot-4 guard from Montgomery, Ala., who signed with Virginia in November, is starting to get consideration for the coveted status, according to his father, Rodney.

“He’s doing really, really good,” Rodney Harrell said. “We’ve had some folks call from the McDonald’s All-American committee.

“[But] we don’t really look at a lot of that. We’re really, really excited about college and him finishing up his senior year and just really getting through it healthy. That’s the biggest thing for us, so that he can just get ready for college. I think he’ll report early for school and is just really, really excited about Virginia.”

Harrell has gotten off to an explosive start this season, averaging about 29 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists per contest for Brewbaker Tech Magnet School.

Harrell, who chose Virginia over Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia and Mississippi State, is the highest rated recruit in Bennett’s inaugural five-member class that also includes Joe Harris, James Johnson, Akil Mitchell and Will Regan. The class is ranked 15th in the country and fifth in the ACC.

According to Rivals.com, Harrell is a 4-star prospect (out of 5) and the 35th-best player overall.

By comparison, Landesberg, back in 2008, was ranked as the 66th-best prospect in the country (and also a 4-star recruit).

Of course, there’s a strong chance that Harrell’s rating will increase further if he keeps playing like he has. Harrell’s stock has skyrocketed since an impressive AAU summer performance, which came on the heels of having to sit out his junior season because of a transfer rule.

A video of Harrell that can be seen on YouTube is pretty impressive. Harrell has deep 3-point range, but also displays great athleticism in getting to the basket and finishing strong at the rim.

Harrell told The Daily Progress he can’t wait to get to Charlottesville. He hasn’t seen any Virginia games in person this season, but watched the recent Penn State contest on television.

“I could see myself playing on that team and being in coach Bennett’s offense,” he said. “I just love the way he coaches — how he keeps his composure even when they’re down.”

Harrell, believe it or not, committed to Virginia over the summer without ever visiting the campus.

“I can’t really explain it,” he said. “I think it was just something that God was trying to tell me.

“Tony Bennett, just the way he talked about God and the way that he said he wanted to play — it made me feel real comfortable around him, and the relationship just grew and I decided I just really wanted to play for him.”

As Harrell has become more well-known within recruiting circles, he says his decision to attend Virginia has been questioned.

“A lot of people have asked me, ‘What if North Carolina or somebody like that had [offered]?’” he said.

“I tell them that I’m at the school I want to be at. Growing up, I was a Duke fan, I have to admit. I just loved ACC basketball. But trust me, I’m not a Duke fan anymore. It’s all about Virginia.”

Rodney Harrell said being part of building something new under Bennett at UVa was important. “My biggest thing was go somewhere where they really need you — not just somewhere where you’re just another body,” he said.

The Harrell family is originally from Virginia. Rodney was born in Portsmouth, while his wife is from Roanoke. Just after K.T. signed with UVa, the couple discovered an old picture of him from when he was about 6 months old. A young K.T. — his initials stand for Keylon Tobias — was wearing a Virginia hat.

“It was crazy seeing myself with that hat on,” Harrell said.

About as crazy as being named a McDonald’s All-American this spring would be.

“Hopefully,” Harrell said. “I’m not playing trying to make McDonald’s All-American. That’s not really important to me. I’m just trying to help my team win.

“But if that comes with winning the state championship, that would definitely be a blessing. I’d definitely be happy about that.”