Henricksen: Stevenson’s Connor Cashaw commits to Rice

Playing as Jalen Brunson’s running mate at Stevenson, it’s not always easy to grab a headline. Tuesday evening was one of those times for Connor Cashaw.

The versatile 6-3 senior committed to Rice and head coach Mike Rhoades.

Cashaw, who averaged nearly 18 points a game last season for a team that finished third in the state in Class 4A, had 15-plus offers on the table from a wide range of programs. In the end, Cashaw chose Rice over both Lehigh and Harvard, three schools he officially visited this past month.

Rice had plenty going for it as the Cashaw family has strong ties to the area as both his parents are from the Houston area, while an uncle played at Rice. In addition, Rice offers the strong academics Cashaw was looking for while playing in the competitive Conference USA.

“It was a pretty big factor, but it wasn’t the leading factor,” said Cashaw of the family connections to Rice and the immediate area. “Rice offers the type of high-quality education I was looking for, and it’s an exciting new vision they have with the basketball program.”

Cashaw noted there is a new vibe and direction within the basketball program as Rhoades, who was hired in March after serving as an assistant for Shaka Smart at VCU, takes over a team that went just 7-23 a year ago.

“I connected so well with coach Rhoades and the staff,” says Cashaw. “I believe they are going to develop me as a player and a person, both on and off the floor.”

Cashaw has always been more substance than style, with a well-rounded game and the ability to make an impact in a variety of ways. He can put it on the floor and get to the rim. He can knock down a perimeter jumper. He will defend and rebound.

With some big games during his junior year, including a game-high 21 points in a win over Simeon and 25 points in the regional championship game, Cashaw averaged 17.5 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game in helping the Patriots to 32 wins last season.

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