Auburn basketball adds swingman to Class of 2009

Construction on Auburn’s new basketball arena is in full swing. But that’s not the only growth taking place in the Tigers’ basketball program.

Head coach Jeff Lebo added to his 2009 recruiting class Tuesday, when Cary, N.C., swingman Earnest Ross announced his plans to sign with AU.

The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder told Auburnsports.com that Lebo was the primary reason he chose AU over scholarship offers from Colorado, South Florida, East Carolina, Chattanooga and others.

“Coach Lebo just blew my mind,” Ross told the Web site. “He’s a terrific coach, an inspiring coach that’s going to take me to the next level. He’s going to work me hard and help me reach my full potential on and off the court.”

A three-star prospect according to Rivals.com, Ross averaged 25 points, 10 rebounds and five assists per game as a junior at Cary’s Panther Creek High.

He joins Montverde, Fla., forward Robert Chubb and Atlanta guard Andre Malone on Auburn’s commitment list.

All three are expected to sign with AU during the early signing period, beginning Nov. 12.

While the 2009 recruiting class continues to grow, the ’08 class is still a work on progress. Small forward Kenny Gabriel hasn’t yet enrolled in classes at AU; the 6-foot-8 native of Charlotte, N.C., is still waiting for word on his academic standing.

Lebo said Gabriel could be bound for junior college if he isn’t cleared to enroll at AU soon.

The rest of the class — guards Frankie Sullivan and Tay Waller, forwards Johnnie Lett and Francis Aihe and center Brendon Knox — is already enrolled at Auburn.

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