Arkansas Coach Tom Collen signed forward Bianca Blanaru, 6-5 of Timisoara, Romania, wing Mariah Mitchell, 5-9 of McKinney, Texas and shooting guard McKinley Bostad, 5-9 of Kennadale, Texas on Wednesday, the first day of the early signing period.
Blanaru is considered one of the top post players in Europe by Passion Hoops International and was a member of the Romanian 18-under national team at the European Championships in 2012. She was also a member of the 20-under national team in 2013.
“Bicanca is a really special talent,” said Daniel Prince of Passion Hoops International. “She’s light on her feet to be so big. She has great proportion body size wise so she’s not just a big girl. Very mobile and agile. She’ll be able to do a lot with her back to the basket.”
Prince said Blanaru has a nice jump hook with either hand.
“She can use both equally,” Prince said. “I think what’s going to surprise is her ability to step away from the basket and hit the high post shot. Also her passing ability in the post is pretty amazing. So players better have their hands ready.”
Prince said Collen is the right coach to help Blanaru get where she needs to be mentally and physically.”
“He’s a really good coach for a player like this,” he said.
Arkansas fans will enjoy getting to know the big Romanian.
“She’s just a great kid,” Prince said. “I think the community is going to like her.”
Mitchell averaged 20 points, 6.5 rebounds a game as a junior and is rated the No. 18 prospect in Texas by Girlz Prep Report.
Bostand averaged 15.0 points, 3.7 assists, 3.5 steals and 4.2 rebounds a game as a junior and is rated the No. 21 prospect in Texas by Premier Basketball Report and No. 146 in the nation.