newjerseynewsroom.com

BY MIKE VORKUNOV

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

In the end James Beatty knew all along where he wanted to go. He just had to get his family's approval.

While Rutgers fans were anxiously wondering whether they would get the final piece to their 2009 recruiting class, Beatty was at home making sure he made the right choice.

Last Wednesday he made it official as Rutgers men's basketball program announced it signed the point guard from Miami-Dade (Fla.) College, becoming the fourth member of its 2009 incoming class.

"I didn't really want to announce it till I got home with my family," Beatty said in a phone conversation. "I would say that a good two months ago it hit me that I wanted to go to Rutgers. Not really decided, but it hit me that it was the place for me."

The Scarlet Knights are happy to get him because it fills their big hole at point guard, with the graduation of Anthony Farmer.

What they will be adding in Beatty is player who averaged 13.4 points, 7.9 assists, and 2.7 steals per game last season, along with being named team MVP the last two years. Not an overlooked accomplishment, as Miami-Dade's entire starting five will be playing at Division I schools next season.

Seven times he hit at least five three-pointers in a game - twice hitting seven from beyond the arc.

According to his former coach Matt Eisele, more impressive than his stats is the intangibles Beatty will bring.

"I think there's no doubt he's going to step in right away and help that program," Eisele said via phone. "He's one of the main reasons why we were able to keep all the egos in check down here.

"He was like a second coach on the floor. Obviously he's always played with very talented players. Our starting five all signed with major, big time schools and he's been our MVP the last two years. So that kind of puts in perspective my thoughts on his leadership and what he brings to the table."

In a press release announcing his signing, head coach Fred Hill also lauded Beatty for his leadership abilities.

"He brings a tremendous amount of skill and intangibles into the program," Hill said. "James is a talkative leader with great understanding and passion for the game."

Whether Beatty starts right away is still uncertain. Rutgers will be returning Corey Chandler and Mike Coburn, both players who have had experience starting at point guard. Additionally, Beatty does not come in with any promises over a spot in the starting five.

Not that he wants one anyway.

"I could see myself starting but it's because I deserve it and because I wanna work hard and take the spot," Beatty said. "I don't want anything to be given to me."

But when asked whether he sees himself starting the season-opening game in November, Beatty doesn't mince words.

"That's the plan."

Signing with Rutgers also ends the delay on his arrival to Division I basketball.

Beatty was recruited by several schools coming out of New Hanover High School in Wilmington, N.C., narrowing his list down to Clemson and Cincinnati. But his SAT scores prevented him from qualifying to play. Instead he went down to Miami-Dade for two years. A detour he is now grateful for.

"Honestly I think that was the best choice for me because I matured academically as well as on the court," Beatty said.