Greenforest’s Justin Ravenel signs with FAMU
Greenforest-McCalep Christian Academy senior guard Justin Ravenel played a big role in building the boys’ basketball players into a winning team.
Ravenel hopes to do the same for Florida A&M University men’s basketball program. He signed his letter of intent to FAMU April 17 in front of his family, friends, coaches and teammates. Ravenel said it is “a great feeling” to have the opportunity to play college basketball.
“It’s every high school athlete’s dream to go and play at the next level. I’ve always dreamed of this moment, and it’s a heart-warming moment and I’m just so blessed to be here.”
Ravenel averaged 18 points, five rebounds and three assists per game his senior season, and helped lead his team to the Class A Private state championship game, where they lost to St. Francis 96-81. He had offers from Mercer, Tennessee Tech, Navy, Citadel, and more, but picked FAMU because of the potential of the program.
“I saw a chance to really do something big that hasn’t been done there in a while,” he said. “It’s a process, [FAMU has] been rebuilding. And [I’ve] just [been] forming relationships with other players from around the country, and just trying to come together and do something very special.”
FAMU went 2-27 this past season and has not had a winning season in eight years. Ravenel said he has a lot to offer to FAMU’s program.
“I have the versatility of scoring, leading and making plays,” he said. “They’ve always looked at me as scoring the ball very well and just looking to be a great leader. I feel like when I get there I’ll be able to implement that into the program.”
Greenforest coach Nick Lagroone said Ravenel will have an impact on the team and the school.
“Justin is a first-class young man,” Lagroone said. “FAMU is not just getting a basketball player, but they’re getting an individual who is going to do a lot for that school and that community.”
Ravenel is Lagroone’s first college signee as a head coach. He described Ravenel’s recruiting process and signing an “unbelievable experience.”
“I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” he said.
Ravenel will also be reuniting with his brotherEdward, who attends FAMU. His parents said they are “very proud” of him.
“I thought back to when Justin first held a basketball in his hands, I think my husband put a basketball in his hands at the age of 2, and he just had a love for the game since that time,” said his mother, Blanche Ravenel. “He has always been very passionate about it, and I’m just blessed that God has blessed him with this scholarship because that’s what it all about. The [children] have so much opportunities and all you have to do is trust in God, work hard and he’ll open these doors for you. So, I just feel really blessed.”
“Greenforest is a true family, and we spend most of our time here and that’s where we wanted him to continue to grow,” Ed Ravenel said. “And this is the fruit of the labor right here.”
The school’s headmaster Dr. M.O. Clarke also had high praises for Ravenel.
“He’s done such a marvelous job of setting examples for our younger students,” Clarke said. “About six years ago is when I first noticed Justin had an outstanding talent, but he is also an outstanding individual.”
