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Washington State's men's basketball team opened some scholarships on Tuesday and Ernie Kent didn't waste any time filling them. WSU landed a verbal commitment from guard Viont'e Daniels on Wednesday. Daniels is 6-foot-2 guard from Federal Way and becomes either the fourth or fifth member of the 2015 class depending on whether Jeff Pollard lands at prep school.
Daniels brings an impressive resume to Pullman. He was named the Associated Press 4A Player of the Year in Washington last season. He averaged 24 points, six rebounds and four assists per game. Rivals.com ranks him as a three-star prospect. According to the Tacoma News Tribune, WSU offered Daniels a scholarship on Saturday and he didn't take long to choose the Cougars over offers from Saint Mary's and Portland State. Playing close to home and in the Pac-12 both factored into the decision.
"For my family to be able to see me stay close to home, I thought that would be the best fit," Daniels said, via the TNT. "And I'm playing in the Pac-12. I'm like, ‘Man, that's pretty exciting.' "
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While Daniels is just about to begin his WSU career, two players who just finished theirs put their skills on display for NFL scouts. Connor Halliday and Vince Mayle both went through a pro day workout on Wednesday with Halliday throwing for scouts for the first time. According to Jacob Thorpe of the Spokesman Review, Halliday completed 64-of-70 passes during the workout with the six incompletions all being drops.
Mayle took advantage of the workout to catch some passes and improve on his 40-yard dash time from the combine. Mayle is dealing with a broken thumb that has hindered him in workouts. According to Thorpe, 13 scouts were on hand to watch the workout. Those of you who are Seattle Seahawks fans might enjoy this tidbit:
Of the 13 scouts on hand at today's pro day, three were receivers coaches. The Seattle Seahawks appeared to show the most interest in Mayle.
— Jacob Thorpe (@JacobThorpeSR) April 2, 2015
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Football:
Numbers from WSU's second pro day | The Spokesman-Review
Connor Halliday and Vince Mayle were each recovering from injuries at WSU's pro day. But scouts were on hand to watch them workout Wednesday.
Halliday, Mayle Hold Pro Day Workouts - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
Former Washington State quarterback Connor Halliday and wide receiver Vince Mayle worked out in front of NFL scouts Wednesday morning.Top 10 Pac-12 instant impact junior college transfers - Pac-12 Blog - ESPN
10. DL Jeremiah Mitchell, Washington State Xavier Cooper and Toni Pole are gone, so the Cougars lose their two best defensive linemen, an especially tough pill to swallow in a 3-4 scheme. At 6-4, Mitchell brings solid size to the end position, and he's expected to instantly bolster the Cougars at a position of need.
WSU spring football: Competition the focus of Cougs’ camp - Spokesman.com - April 1, 2015
Washington State faces far more uncertainty than last spring, and maybe that’s a good thing.
Connor Halliday, Vince Mayle work out for NFL scouts | The Seattle Times
Neither Connor Halliday nor Vince Mayle have had an easy journey from Washington State to the NFL, so it was fitting that during a workout in front of NFL scouts and executives on Wednesday, the two former Cougars did it the hard way.
Halliday and Mayle perform for scouts | The Spokesman-Review
There were NFL 13 scouts on hand to watch Connor Halliday and Vince Mayle work out on Wednesday, and one general manager.
Parker Henry Earns His Spot - Washington State University Official Athletic Site
For Cougar linebacker, Parker Henry, hard work has finally paid off. The 5-foot-11-inch redshirt-junior (entering fall, 2015) was an all-state running back for Skyview High School in Vancouver, Washington. His senior season, he rushed for over 2,100 yards and scored 35 touchdowns and led his team to their first state championship appearance.
Men's basketball:
Federal Way’s Viont’e Daniels commits to Washington State | High School Sports | The News Tribune
Viont’e Daniels never imagined he’d earn the accolades and the statewide respect he has this season. One year he’s playing third fiddle on the Federal Way High School boys basketball team, the next he’s one of the best players in the state.
Federal Way guard Viont’e Daniels commits to Washington State | The Seattle Times
Federal Way senior guard Viont’e Daniels committed to Washington State on Wednesday afternoon, choosing the Cougars over Saint Mary’s.