High Riser Has Plenty Of High D-1 Interest

Lamonte Ulmer is a high riser on the basketball court, and after a couple of revealing performances, the 6-6 forward has bounced up on the recruiting depth charts of many Division I programs ...

"I've probably received about 20 calls on Lamonte since the event last week," Notre Dame Head Coach Bill Barton said on Tuesday night. "He went down to Providence to watch a game, and people like Purdue, Notre Dame and Memphis have also called about him."

While Lamonte Ulmer probably doesn't possess the wing skills necessary to play at such a level right now, the lithe 180 pounder is an absolute pogo stick around the bucket and an energy guy on both ends of the floor.

In the Crusaders' opening Tip-Off Showcase victory over Hargrave Military Academy, Ulmer tallied 15 points (on seven of 13 shooting) and six boards. He followed that up with a 16 point effort (on five of six shooting) in Notre Dame's 88-85 victory over the Patterson School, knocking in a pair of treys to boot.

"He's a phenomenal athlete who keeps balls alive," Barton said. "He is going to be a very good college basketball player."

Aside from bolstering his academic ledger this year at Notre Dame, Ulmer has the opportunity to determine just how high the scholarship offers get in terms of level. Barton said that Rhode Island and St. Bonaventure have shown the most serious interest thus far, and the coach feels his pupil could be successful at the Atlantic 10 level.

"URI has been interested from the get go, and a lot of MAAC schools also liked him when they watched him work out this fall," Barton added. "If he keeps playing like he has with that energy, there will be a lot of offers for him, even though he doesn't have a great game with the ball yet."

An improved perimeter shot and handle will go a long way in determining just how quick Ulmer will be able to make the transition to the wing slot, his most likely position at the Division I level.

Notre Dame will be at the Boys Club Tournament in New York City's Chelsea Piers next month, and we'll keep you abreast of Ulmer's play and recruitment as the season progresses. Stay tuned!