Gates transfers to Withrow
Coach McBride welcomes new addition from Hughes
BY TOM GROESCHEN | ENQUIRER STAFF WRITER
<!--ARTICLE BODY TEXT-->Yancy Gates, the top-ranked basketball player in Cincinnati's class of incoming high school juniors, unexpectedly switched schools Tuesday.
The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Gates, rated the nation's No. 4 junior-to-be by Hoop Scoop and in the top 20 by both Rivals.com and Scout.com, has transferred from Hughes to Withrow.
"Maybe I landed on my feet after all," new Withrow coach Walt McBride said. "I've already had four players transfer since taking this job."
McBride, who came to Withrow from Summit Country Day for this season, said he was unaware Gates had transferred but said he would welcome the player. Gates is half-brother to Withrow junior guard Anthony McBride, another highly regarded prospect who is a nephew of Walt McBride.
"If it turns out well and I do have Yancy and my nephew, I would certainly be excited," Walt McBride said.
Gates averaged 17.7 points and 10.7 rebounds last season.
Gates could not be reached for comment, but his transfer was confirmed by Hughes athletic director Jolinda Miller. Miller declined further comment.
Lonnie Hayes, another Hughes standout who was an all-area guard as a junior last season, might be leaving for a prep school in Maine, Miller said.
Gates, along with his No. 4 ranking by Hoop Scoop's Clark Francis, is rated No. 16 nationally in his class by Rivals.com and No. 17 by Scout.com.
Gates' transfer still must be approved by Cincinnati Public Schools and the Ohio High School Athletic Association, or he will have to sit out a year of basketball. Hughes and Withrow, both CPS schools, start school Tuesday.
"We don't know the circumstances just yet, so I can't tell you," CPS athletic director Dave Dierker said. "Right now he is certainly free to transfer his academic eligibility to Withrow."
