Tuesday, June 22, 1999

One Munoz commits to play for Tennessee

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Michelle decides; Michael has not

BY JOHN P. WISE
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Mason junior-to-be Michelle Munoz, who averaged 16 point and eight rebounds for the Comets last season, has orally committed to attend Tennessee. (Craig Ruttle photo) | ZOOM |

        Mason High junior Michelle Munoz wasn't deciding what to get her Hall of Fame dad for Father's Day last weekend. She was too busy deciding where to play college basketball.

        The 6-foot forward orally committed to play for the University of Tennessee. Munoz, three months removed from leading Mason to a Division I state runner-up finish, said the decision was not difficult.

        “It's been my dream to play there since I was in fifth grade,” said Munoz, who along with her family met with coach Pat Summit on Sunday. “I was at a camp there last weekend and afterwards, Pat said, "We'd love to have you play here at Tennessee.' Then my mom asked, "Is that an offer?' And that was that.”

        Michelle's dad, former Bengal Anthony Munoz said the early decision was not planned.

        “We went down to their camp, an offer was made and Michelle made a decision,” Anthony said. “She really believes Tennessee is the place for her.”

        Michelle averaged 16 points and eight rebounds as a sophomore, and helped Mason reach a No.1 national ranking by USA Today. The Comets lost in the state final to national powerhouse Pickerington High School.

        Mason finished third in the USA Today poll and Munoz was named one of the nation's Top 10 juniors-to-be.

        “Michelle is a very dedicat ed athlete, and she's outstanding both offensively and defensively,” Mason coach Gerry Lackey said. “We're excited she has a chance to play at a college like Tennessee, but we're also excited to have her around here for two more years.”

        College coaches can't comment on recruits until receiving a letter-of-intent. Munoz cannot sign a letter-of-intent until November 2000.

        Shalon Pillow, a former Parade All-American at Taylor, just completed her freshman season at Tennessee.

        Munoz said she'll likely play both forward positions, and perhaps will see some minutes in the backcourt.

        “I can bring the ball up, score in the post and shoot from outside, so I think Pat will be able to use me anywhere,” she said.

        Munoz said her brother, Michael, a football star at Moeller and a senior, still has not selected a college, but he is considering national champion Tennessee.

        “We'd like to go to the same school, but it's not a huge factor,” Michelle said.

       

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