They include Trey Blue (Fordham), Mark Lyons (Xavier), Anthony Carter (Ohio State) and Max Huc (Princeton). The best player on the team and MVP was Emmanuel Negedu, a 6-foot-7 Nigerian who will play at Arizona.

Playing for a team that's used to winning titles is a key for Rose when he recruits players. Abouo fits that mold.

Smith predicts Abouo will fit in perfectly to whatever role Dave Rose throws at him because he's already made one of the major adjustments high school stars have to make at the Division I level.

"He's already learned how to fit in with 11 other players who were superstars in high school, and learn to find a role among other players who've had success and are used to being the guy," said Smith.

Abouo was Utah's 3A player of the year and 2007 MVP of Region 13 and was named all-state three straight years at Logan where he was the team captain.

"In terms of character, I can't say enough about Charles," said Smith. "Charles is a fantastic kid who left a legacy at Brewster's Academy. "Everyone, whether it be peers, faculty, staff, administration or other players would tell you how great of a person he is."

Abouo could be compared favorably to Andre McFarland, one of Smith's players two years ago who averaged 30 minutes this past season at Colorado State.

"Because of Charles' length, he was able to cover a shooting guard, small forward or power forward. He's a throwback player," said Smith.

"Where a lot of kids these days want to dunk on you, Charles has a tremendous midrange game, which is now a rare art form. He can shot-fake, dribble and can pull up and make shots from 10 to 12 feet; that's one of his strengths. But he can hit the three."

Smith concluded he didn't know what "openings" BYU has on the roster because of the uncertain status of Lee Cummard, who is testing the waters in the NBA draft the next three weeks before deciding to return or turn professional.

"But," he said, "Don't be surprised if Charles has moments of brilliance as a freshman."

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E-mail: dharmon@desnews.com