Connecticut prep star to join Hawks

About this time 7 years ago, Saint Joseph's got a late commitment from a relatively unknown guard from New Jersey. Tyrone Barley turned out not to be a star, but was definitely a difference maker as the sixth man and defensive stopper on the Hawks' great 2003-04 team.

Charoy Bentley, from Bridgeport, Conn., was a 1,600-point scorer at Harding High, playing for his father Charlie. He was twice first-team all state. So he definitely is not as under-the-radar as Barley, but mid-June definitely is late for a commitment. Still, that is the deal, as the 6-foot guard signed a "St. Joe's scholarship letter."

It is too late to sign a letter of intent, so St. Joe's essentially is committed to Bentley, but he could change his mind before classes start in late August. In reality, he is on the way.

Hawks coach Phil Martelli can't comment on Bentley until classes begin. Bentley averaged 25 points per game last season for a school with a great basketball tradition. Harding produced Wes Matthews (Wisconsin), Charles Smith (Pittsburgh) and John Bagley (Boston College), among other well-known names.

Bentley looked at Virginia Commonwealth, James Madison, Robert Morris and Quinnipiac, among other schools. One person familiar with his game said: "Is this kid a program changer? No. Is he going to have to work to get into the rotation? Yes. Does he respect winning over all other things? Yes."

A scholarship opened when Jawan Carter, the starting point guard last season, chose to transfer to Delaware. Everybody is else is back for the Hawks. They will be joined by Bentley, freshman Idris Hilliard, a 6-7 forward from The Hun School in Princeton, N.J., and 6-4 junior guard Tasheed Carr, a Philly native who spent 2 years at Iowa State before transferring to St. Joe's before last season.

Garrett Williamson and Carter were the starting backcourt last season. It would be no surprise if Carr and Darrin Govens were the starters this season. *