The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga men's basketball team picked up its first commitment for the 2018 signing class Friday night: Donovann Toatley from Baltimore.
Known for quickness, the 5-foot-9 point guard averaged 14 points and six assists a game in leading Riverside Baptist to the Maryland Private School championship as a junior. He scored 24 points in the championship game and was voted most valuable player.
In a recent interview with Prep Hoops Maryland/D.C., Toatley said he studies former and current NBA players such as Tim Hardaway, John Stockton and Isaiah Thomas. He watches YouTube videos to learn extra tricks of the trade as a shorter point guard.
"I like to attack the rim with a variety of moves, such as hesitation or freezing my opponent, stop and go, change of pace and crossover," Toatley said.
He said defense is one of his strengths, noting that "I take great pride in it. I play hard all game long on both sides of the ball. Additionally, I can run our team and create for others."
He held offers from Wagner, Robert Morris, Jacksonville State and Richmond.
The Mocs are expected to lose only one scholarship player this season, senior Trayvond Massenburg. Fairfield transfer Jerry Johnson is already on campus. He's sitting out this season but will have two years of eligibility after that.
Contact Gene Henley at ghenley@timesfreepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @genehenleytfp.