Thursday, Oct. 22, 2009

Rhett commits to play hoops at Tennessee State

Following his father into college basketball will take M.J. Rhett to Nashville.

The son of former South Carolina player Joe Rhett, MJ Rhett committed to Tennessee State on Wednesday.

The younger Rhett, a 6-8 forward, said the new Tennessee State coaching staff’s ties to Columbia aided his decision.

John Cooper, a former USC assistant under Eddie Fogler, is beginning his first season as Tennessee State head coach. One of his assistants is Sheldon Everett, a former Lexington High and USC player.

"When I went on my official visit on Labor Day weekend," Rhett said. "I guess I felt at home. I know coach Cooper and Sheldon Everett. I know I fit in to their system and I’m well acquainted with their system. I know them as coaches and as people."

Rhett averaged 12 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots for Richland Northeast last season. He has since transferred to Lower Richland and he said he wanted to commit early to make his senior season less stressful.

"During the season, I didn’t want to have any pressure on me," Rhett said. "I wanted to get it out of the way."

Rhett said he also visited Charleston Southern.

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