John Hegarty will be an imposing figure on coach Eric Reveno’s front line for the next four years

PORTLAND, Ore. -- University of Portland men’s basketball head coach Eric Reveno, regarded as one of the best big man coaches in the nation, will have another intriguing post player to work with as the Pilots have signed John Hegarty to a National Letter of Intent. Hegarty (7-1, 365) makes the cross country trip to Portland after spending the past two seasons at The Winchendon School (Winchendon, Mass.).

Hegarty averaged nine points, 11 rebounds, and three blocked shots per game during his time at The Winchendon School while playing alongside 10 players that will be on Division I rosters next season. He helped the team to a runner-up finish at the New England Prep School Athletic Conference (NEPSAC) tournament this year after a semifinals appearance in 2007.

Prior to his time at The Winchendon School, Hegarty was a three-year starter at Dartmouth High School in Dartmouth, Mass. and made the regional all-star team. He has been a long-time member of the Rhode Island Hawks AAU team and played last summer for the Metro Boston AAU program.

“John is an excellent fit for both the University and our basketball program,” Reveno said. “He already has a natural feel and understanding of the game that many big men never develop. We are confident that with the proper conditioning and development, John could become an impact player in the West Coast Conference.”

Winchendon head coach Michael Byrnes said that Hegarty will bring more than just a big body to The Bluff.

“There are very few big men out there with John’s passing abilities and soft hands,” Byrnes said. “John uses his body extremely well and is an intelligent player. He has worked very hard on his footwork and post moves, which are getting much better. He is undoubtedly a very intriguing player.”

In addition to his on-court abilities, Hegarty is also a quality student and was elected as The Winchendon School Student Council President this year. He also played two years of lacrosse.

“I felt very comfortable on my visit this spring,” Hegarty said of his commitment. “I liked the coaches and the size of the school. It had a real good community feel and I liked the campus a lot.”

Hegarty joins recently signed junior college All-American point guard T.J. Campbell and incoming freshman guard Nemanja Mitrovic to comprise Portland’s 2008 recruiting class.