TICKETS | ABOUT CHATTANOOGA BASKETBALL
 
CHATTANOOGA---The Chattanooga Mocs men's basketball coaching staff knew what they wanted and needed to add during the early signing period. The focus was on the wing and in the post. They got their guys early in the process which finally played out today with the open of the Early Signing Period.
 
Knoxville wing Grant Ledford (Grace Christian Academy) and Virginia post Jaden Frazier (Blue Ridge School) put pen to paper Wednesday at the first opportunity to sign their National Letters of Intent.
 
"It was really important getting it done early," according to Coach Lamont Paris. "Especially on the heels of the scramble-mode recruiting (to end the 2018 class). We had so many guys we brought in, it was good to get it done early and spend some time with them this summer.
 
"Grant committed before the July period, while Jaden was immediately after. Getting them committed and locked in was very important for us."
 
Ledford, who committed in June, is a 6-5 guard/forward who averaged 19.1 points, 8.0 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game as a junior in 2018. That commitment was buoyed in mid-August by Frazier's pledge. The 6-9 forward was listed as ESPN.com's eighth-best prospect in Virginia posting seven points and 5.5 boards per contest as a junior on a deep prep roster.
 
According to Coach Paris, there was a strong symmetry not only on the court, but off it as well in regards to the direction the program is heading.
 
"Jaden and Grant fit right in with the culture we are developing," Paris continued. "They're extremely high-character young men from fantastic families. They epitomize what we want to do and the direction we are going. When you can bring in two high-quality players who are even higher-quality individuals, that's a feather in your cap."
 
3 FRAZIER NOTES TO KNOW

• 3-star prospect per ESPN.com. The worldwide leader ranked him No. 55 nationally at the center position.
• His Blue Ridge team coached by Cade Lemcke included two 1st team VISAA All-State selections as well as a DII signee in 2017-18. His last two years Blue Ridge went 51-13 (.797) and won the 2017 VISAA Division II Championship.
• His mother Karen played collegiately at Radford.

 
Paris on Jaden Frazier: "Jaden has a high motor. He's not afraid to be physical. He's got size with a good frame for a young man his age. He'll be very effective around the basket with the potential to expand that shooting range."
 
3 LEDFORD NOTES TO KNOW

• 2018 State Tournament Most Outstanding Player leading Grace to the Division II-A Championships playing for Brandon Clifford.
• The 3-time TSSAA All-State Selection scored 1,000 points during sophomore season.
• 2-star prospect per VerbalCommits.com.

 
Paris on Grant Ledford: "One of the first things is he stood out as a very mature young man. As a player, he has good size with a natural knack for scoring baskets without looking like he's trying to score basketball. That doesn't happen that often. Good team player with a really good skill-set."
 
QUOTABLE
"Grant is a self-driven worker. He's a high basketball IQ guy who is humble, respectful, coachable and dependable. Grant is better off the court than on it, and he's a heck of a player. Chattanooga got a good one in Grant Ledford." – Coach Kevin Feltner, Tennessee Bobcats AAU.
 
"Jaden has improved as much over his time here at BRS as anyone I've ever coached. His ability to carve out space on the glass and score with his back-to-the-basket makes him a great piece on any roster. He will be a great fit in Coach Paris and the way the Mocs play. We're proud of him and look forward to him continuing to grow as a player and person under Coach's tutelage." – Coach Cade Lemcke.
 
UPCOMING SCHEDULE
Friday, Nov. 16: at South Alabama, 8:05 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 17: vs. Southeast Missouri, 5:05 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 18: vs. Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.
 
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