MIKE MARRA IMPROVING AT NORTHFIELD MOUNT HERMON

September 20, 2008

Rick Pitino has once again flexed his recruiting muscles with the Louisville 2009 recruiting class featuring four verbal commitments. The class got started when often overlooked Mike Marra made the call and committed to Louisville last season.

Marra has one more season at Northfield Mount Hermon Prep under John Carroll before heading off to Louisville and the battles of the Big East. The Smithfield (RI) native currently stands 6-foot-5 and weighs in at 205 pounds, according to his coach, as he continues to put in the work to make himself available to contribute immediately upon arriving in Louisville.

"Mike is among the elite three-point shooters in the country at any level," coach Carroll stated. "Last year, he outdueled Devin Ebanks and St. Thomas More."

Coach Carroll was remembered Northfield's 90-81 win. Marra poured in 36 points, but more impressive was his shooting display from beyond the arc where he nailed 10 of 11 three balls, a performance for the ages. In one 1:50 span, Marra hit five consecutive three's to turn a seven-point deficit into an eight point lead in the blink of an eye. Even with his shooting skill likely paving the way for him to a Division 1-A scholarship in the nation's best conference, Marra is working hard at diversifying his game.

"He realizes that he will be a more attractive player for (Rick) Pitino and (compete) for more minutes if he is a multi-positional player and he is working hard to fit the role of scoring guard and small forward," his coach explained.

Even with a solid commitment from Marra, the Louisville staff made sure they came to New England this fall to spend some quality time with a recruit that committed to them last January.

"Rick and Richard (Pitino) were at Mike's house for dinner for a home visit this past Sunday," notes coach Carroll.

In the future, expect to see Mike Marra launching bombs from beyond the arc, restoring a valuable weapon in the Louisville attack.