VMI head basketball coach Dan Earl announced the signing of three recruits to national letters-of-intent during the early signing period which began today. Joining the Keydet basketball program in 2017-18 are Sarju Patel – 6’3, 170, Combo Guard, Daleville, Virginia, Tragen Fahl – 6’8, 180, Forward, Virginia Beach, Virginia., and Jordan Ratliffe – 6’0, 188, Guard, Gibson, North Carolina.
Patel is attending Hargrave Military Academy after attending at Tilton School in New Hampshire where averaged 9.0 points, 3.0 assists and 3.0 rebounds. He also won the McMorrow Scholar-Athlete award three times and carried a 4.0 GPA with honors at Tilton. Patel played AAU ball at Spectrum Sports based in Roanoke, Virginia. He is averaging 10 points and 4.0 rebounds per game at Hargrave.
“Sarju is a combo guard who can play three different positions,” said Earl. “He is a smart player who is a good ball handler and shooter. He is also a crafty finisher around the basket. Sarju doesn’t get enough credit for his ability on the defensive end. He is very active on the ball and in the right positions. He also rebounds on both ends of the floor.”
Fahl averaged 7.0 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 1.0 blocks per game for Atlantic Shores Christian School where he is an honor roll student. He played club basketball for AAU team BWSL WAWG. He plans to major in biology.
“Tragen is a mobile and versatile forward with a tremendous upside and is just scratching the surface as basketball player,” said Earl. “The athleticism that he will bring to our team will help on both ends of the floor. His ability to dribble, pass and shoot at 6’8″ is something we are extremely excited about.”
Ratcliff averaged 18.3 points and 7.0 rebounds for Village Christian (NC) School and played on the 2A NCISAA State Championship team last year. He earned Fayetteville Observer All-Cape Fear All-Region Player of the Year, 1st Team Cape Fear All-Region Team, and MVP of the South Granville Christmas Tournament. Ratcliff was also track and field athlete of the year and first team all-conference competing in the long jump, triple jump and 4 x 100 meter relay.
“Jordan is a talented scoring guard and most importantly a winner – fresh off a State Championship at Village Christian and a run to the nationally televised championship game in Las Vegas on the AAU circuit,” said Earl. “He is described by all of his coaches as a “bulldog” who shows up to compete every single day. His ability to score, explosiveness and athleticism on the perimeter will be a huge asset to our program moving forward.”
Earl added on the signings, “We are thrilled to have Jordan, Sarju, and Tragen join our VMI basketball program. They are all very good basketball players who will provide skill, as well as athleticism to our team. Additionally, all three are great young men of high character, who do well in the classroom. They are a great fit for us at VMI, as we continue to build upon our foundation.”
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