Garfield’s Isabell headed for WSU

PULLMAN – Tramaine Isabell of Seattle’s Garfield High School signed a letter of intent to play basketball for Washington State on Thursday – the second day of the November signing period – although the school has not yet received the letter as of Thursday night. Isabell is the only known Class of 2014 player to have committed to the Cougars. Decked out in WSU gear, Isabell signed the letter during a press conference in Seattle at the Rotary Boys and Girls Club. The point guard cited WSU’s loyalty throughout the recruiting process as a primary reason he signed with the Cougars. “I had looks from various places – all the way from Providence on the East Coast, Creighton. For whatever reason, not too many offers actually stuck,” Isabell told reporters. “Most (were) questioning my attitude and stuff like that. The fact that WSU was the first big (Division I) team to offer me, talking to the coaches, they kind of believed in me, didn’t seem to really believe in whatever the general thought or perception of me. That’s why I committed so fast.” Isabell was originally slated to attend prep school next year, and then enroll at WSU as a member of the Cougars’ 2015 recruiting class. Those plans have changed, however, and Isabell will be eligible to play next season. “I think it’s a perfect fit. Usually their point guard facilitates a lot and has the ball in their hands, which is his strong suit. He makes plays,” said Darryl Hennings who coaches Isabell’s Rotary Select AAU team. “They give their guys just enough freedom to utilize their natural abilities and stay inside of what their system is. So I think it will be perfect for him.” The 6-foot-1 guard also noted that the uncertainty surrounding the future of coach Ken Bone at WSU did not concern him, and that the departure of point guard Danny Lawhorn from the Cougars played a role in his decision to forego prep school.