The Purdue staff wasted little time finding another point guard prospect, followign the disappointment in losing a chance to place Richmond point Dominic James in a Purdue uniform. Good things seem to be coming to a Purdue staff that waits.Korey Spates, a 6'0 180-pound point guard from Warrensville Heights High (OH), has verbally committed to Purdue.
Korey Spates is a quick, scoring point guard rated as one of the top two point guards in the state of Ohio and at the top of the Ohio class of 2005. Drawing comparisons to Chauncey Billups, Spates' strengths come in his scoring ability, offensive leadership and endurance.
He was honored as a junior as the runner-up for the coveted Ohio Mr. Basketball title. Pre-summer 2004, Spates was rated the No. 129 player by Hoop Scoop and as the 18th best point guard by Prep Spotlight. Those rankings will rise considerably due to very sharp performances this summer, including an eye-opening display at the Bob Gibbons Tournament of Champions. Spates is expected to move into the top 50 on Bob Gibbons' list when the post-summer rankings are released.
Spates averaged 28 points, five assists, five boards and four steals per game as a junior. He went for a triple-double in December 2003 with 39 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists.
The future engineering student chose Purdue over Ohio State, Cincinnati and Xavier following a summer pursuit by Matt Painter and Gene Keady. The early leader was Cincinnati until Bob Huggins' run in with the law, and Michigan State, NC State and Marquette all spent time near the top of Spates' list.
Other schools showing attention included USC, Miami of Florida, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, Cleveland State, Tennessee, Syracuse, and Louisville.
Spates joins 6'4 guard Marcus Green as the first two recruits of the Matt Painter era. Purdue can sign up to two additional players from the class of 2005.
