Mario Haskett Commits to Harvard

LC Bird rising senior guard Mario Haskett has pledged his commitment to Harvard as of last Thursday.  We caught up with the talented combo guard to get his thoughts on his recent commitment and what the future holds. <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/06/MArio-Haskett-commitment.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-71525" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/06/MArio-Haskett-commitment-300x236.jpg" alt="MArio Haskett commitment" width="300" height="236" /></a> <span style="font-weight: 400;">A true student-athlete, Haskett boasts a GPA of above a 4.0, while taking classes in the engineering program at LC Bird.  In discussing his commitment, he cited academics as a major factor in his selection stating, “ Academics were the catalyst in my decision the entire time. Harvard is one of the best schools in the country, obtaining a degree from there is something that can put me in position to be successful for life.“</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">The 6’3’’ combo guard also built a strong relationship with Head Coach and former Duke great, Tommy Amaker, “Coach Amaker and his staff can help me develop my game and give me a chance to play at the next level.  I’ll have an opportunity to play early, and combining academics with the recent success they have had as a program, and their vision for the future helped me make my decision.”</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Harvard has been a successful program under Amaker’s direction.  He is entering his 10th season at the helm of the program, which includes five Ivy League titles and NBA point guard Jeremy Lin.  The Crimson are bringing in the number 24 ranked recruiting class for 2016 in the country according to 247sports.com.</span> Mario will take an official visit to Harvard the weekend of September 17th.  He will be joined on his visit with consensus five star and top-five ranked power forward Wendell Carter. [caption id="attachment_67740" align="alignnone" width="300"]<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/06/FullSizeRender-1.jpg"><img class="wp-image-67740 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/ph/uploads/2016/06/FullSizeRender-1-300x200.jpg" alt="Mario Haskett, Vantage Hoops" width="300" height="200" /></a> Haskett has been a regular at Vantage Hoops events, including Vantage Hoops High School Hoops Showcase and the South Central Challenge[/caption] <span style="font-weight: 400;">Haskett helped guide LC Bird to a State Championship appearance, while garnering First Team All-State, All-Region, and All-Conference honors on the way.  During the 2015-2016 season, he posted numbers of 11.7 points, 2.5 rebounds, 2.0 assists and 1.6 steals in route to a Regional championship and state runner-up finish.</span> Haksett joins a strong group of guards who have been a part of the LC Bird program moving on to college over the years including:Kenny Williams (UNC), Tyrese Rice (Boston College), Robert Johnson (Indiana), Malik Johnson (Canisus), CJ Miles (Roanoke), and Javonte Reddick (Hampden-Sydney). <span style="font-weight: 400;">As for now, Haskett has his goals set on a big senior season for the Skyhawks.  “My senior year is about having fun, guiding our younger guys and giving them the same support as the guys who came before me.  I am going to continue to work on my game and focus on us accomplishing our goals of winning a state title.”</span> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWrJPpm9sPU