Now, before any visiting Dookies or Heels begin to foam at the mouth, I'm not saying that Mapp is the most talented recruit in the nation, though he's definitely top twenty material, just the most meaningful to the success of a basketball program. Mapp' s early committment gave legitimacy to Pete Gillen's rebuilding effort. It was Mapp's committment that pushed UVA over the top in their battle with Maryland for touted, but still underrated, wing guard Roger Mason. Mapp's committment certainly didn't hurt UVA in its successful pursuit of inside stud Travis Watson. And, it was Mapp's committment that stimulated interest in UVA from top ten recruit Lavell Blanchard.
Every coach wants a talented point guard to become the team's on-court leader.
Majestic Mapp has taken leadership to a whole new dimension. His active recruitment of other UVA prospects demonstrates the personal ownership he's taken in the team's future success. Mapp has become a team leader before he's finished his senior season in high school. No question that the Mapp's were prescient in naming their son Majestic. I was greatly flattered by Mark and Mike's offer to write a column for this outstanding website.