Higgins out, Robinson in

Ron Everhart announced that guard Johnny Higgins (Baltimore, Md./Randallstown/Notre Dame (Mass.) Prep) has been released from his National Letter of Intent.

"I had the opportunity to speak to Johnny and his parents at length," said Everhart, "and we came to the conclusion that pursuing options outside of furthering his career at Duquesne University would be in Johnny's best interest."

Higgins signed with Duquesne last November.

It had been rumored for months that Higgins would be released from his National Letter of Intent so this announcement is not much of a surprise to the Duquesne faithful. Higgins was Duquesne's highest rated recruit with a 3 star Rivals ranking. Current Duquesne assistant Coach Bill Barton coached Higgins at Notre Dame Prep before joining Ron Everhart's coaching staff.

Higgins' release came on the same day that Duquesne officially announced the signing of guard Chase Robinson from Alabama.

The 6-3, 190-pound Robinson is DU's second spring signee.

Robinson averaged 23.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 6.0 assists as a senior at Hunstville, Ala. Lee High School in earning Class 5A first team all-state honors. He was also a finalist for 2008 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 5A Mr. Basketball.

"Chase is a great addition to our program," said Everhart. "He's a great shooter with good instincts for the game. He's a highly motivated student and a very high character guy. He'll be a great representative of Duquesne University."

Robinson, who played for head coach Greg Brown at Lee, scored a career-high 36 points against Huntsville J.O. Johnson as a senior. He averaged 19.5 points, 10.0 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game as a junior. Robinson played AAU ball under Jonathan Henderson for the Nashville Celtics.

Robinson also considered Tulane and fellow Atlantic 10 member Saint Louis in addition to Duquesne.