MOSCOW, Idaho - University of Idaho head men's basketball coach Leonard Perry announced the signing of Barry Whitley from Copiah-Lincoln Community College. Whitley, a 5-10, 165-pound point guard, was a third-team NJCAA All-American last season.

"Barry is a tremendous signee for the Idaho program," Perry said. "We are really pleased to get him to UI with our late start in recruiting. His excitement about being a Vandal - with what we are trying to build here - is the best part."

Whitley was a two-year starter for CLCC, where he averaged 17.8 points and 8.2 assists per game his sophomore season. He was honored as the Mississippi Athletic Conference Player of the Year last season in addition to earning Region XXIII MVP honors.

"Barry creates offensively and can really break down a defense with his quickness," Perry said. "He is dangerous in the open floor and in transition. He can shoot, too, and bail out an offense with his ability to create off the dribble."

Whitley also comes to Idaho well coached. Dennis Sims, the head coach at Copiah-Lincoln, has received conference Coach of the Year accolades three of the last four seasons.

"He is coming to us from a region that may not be as highly publicized as some others around the country," Perry said. "But, he brings intangibles that coaches like to talk about.

"He is a young man with good character. He has a good family background with a good upbringing. Barry will be able to represent UI and Vandal basketball well."

A native of Baton Rouge, La., Whitley led Woodlawn High School to the 3A state championship in 1999, his senior season. He was a Louisiana all-state selection that year.

Whitley is the first signee for the Vandals since Perry took the reins on March 20. Perry likes the precedent Whitley's signing sets for future recruiting efforts.

"This is a really good sign for Vandal basketball," Perry said. "If we can continue to recruit young men like Barry, we will be in position to build the UI program back into a conference contender."

The late signing period for national letters-of-intent continues until May 15.