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Vander Pol Makes It Official
Aaron Seybert
SWFLHoops.com Recruiting
November 12, 2008
Vander Pol averaged 16 points, 10.9 rebounds and 7.3 blocks per game last season and led his team to a district runner-up finish to Community School. He's looking forward to the style of play that Liberty brings to the table and feels he can fit right in. "They like to play at a very fast pace and shoot tons of threes. Their style fits my strengths very well and with some added core strength, coach McKay thinks I can come in and have an immediate impact in my first year," says the son of 6'2" Allen and 6'2 1/2" Marcia. "The coaches are great and I got a chance to play with the current guys when I was on my official visit and have already made some good friendships."
Liberty got their first chance to see Joel live in action while playing for a local travel team in an AAU tournament in Washington, D.C. this summer and instantly liked what they saw. They visited him at ECS upon his return home and proceeded to offer him a scholarship. “Joel is exactly the player and person we want representing our program,” said Liberty Head Coach Ritchie McKay through the school's press release. “He is a lot like the guys we currently have on our team, possessing tremendous parents with a solid upbringing in his church and current program. Joel will add a lot of value to our team and the Liberty campus, and we are elated to sign him today. As a player, Joel is physical, tough and highly skilled. He is only a shadow of what he will be four years from now. We are blessed to add him to the Liberty basketball program and to Liberty University.”
SWFL Hoops looks forward to watching Joel's progression the rest of his senior year and throughout his time with Liberty University.
Joel was also being recruited by Tulsa, The Citadel, and UNC Wilmington.
Fort Myers, FL - Evangelical Christian School senior Joel Vander Pol officially signed a National Letter of Intent to attend Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia at around 8:20 a.m. on Wednesday morning. However, the festivities to celebrate his signing took place at 2:30 p.m. with a crowd of over 50 or 60 people filling the small cafe area inside the ECS gymnasium including family, friends from school, school staff, and Head Coach Nate Travis on hand to congratulate the 6'11" 220 pound forward on his big day. "Their all here for me but I think the cake and the thought of missing class is a nice bonus," said Vander Pol about his classmates on hand. It's no surprise that he would have so many people on hand, seeing as the big fella is a pretty easy going character. When I asked him how tall he was now, he said, "about 6'10" but 6'11" with shoes on," and he cracked a smile when Coach Travis made mention from across the room that in college he'll be "a footer." Travis was referring to being called a 7-footer as it seems colleges like to add an inch or so to a lot of incoming freshman. With the ways he continues to grow they may not end up needing to add any for him to claim the title.
Vander Pol recorded 19 double-doubles and 6 triple-doubles during the 2007-08 season
