Dixon offers a JUCO

Shortly after Pitt's 33-point win over Clemson Tuesday night, assistant coach Bill Barton hit the road. His destination: West Plains, Missouri, for Missouri State-West Plains power forward Justin Jamison.

The 6'9" Cleveland native has had the attention of the Pitt staff for months, and on his visit, Barton relayed some exciting news to the former minor league pitcher who spent time with the Texas Rangers organization.

Barton said it was only a matter of time until an offer was extended, and Jamison didn't have to wait very long, as head coach Jamie Dixon called him Thursday morning to formally offer him a scholarship.

"It is amazing to get an offer from Pitt," Jamison told Panhter-Lair.com. "I love Pitt so it is a great feeling and an honor for me. Coach just called and said that they wanted me to be a Panther and he would be out to see a game soon. It's just kind of hard with both of our schedules right now."

Jamison has a plan in place for recruiting, which includes not making a decision before his season is over. He is busy in the classroom at the moment, but he does plan on visiting Pitt and a couple of other potential schools, although a trip for the Duke game Monday night will not work out due to a scheduling conflict.

With Talib Zanna done at Pitt after this year, the center spot will be wide open next year, and Jamison has done his homework.

"The playing time is very intriguing to me," he said. "The most exciting thing is playing for a great coach like Coach Dixon, though. That is the biggest thing. I only have two years to play so I want to make an impact."

Kent State, Oregon, New Mexico State, Texas Tech, and TCU have also offered Jamison, and when the time comes, Pitt should be in a great position.

"I am following Pitt this year and they are definitely a contender. (Lamar) Patterson is playing out of his mind and I really like his game. I was tuned in to every second of that Syracuse game. Cam (Wright) is having a great year too and it's exciting to think about us playing together again.

"My family just wants the best situation possible. I definitely won't make a decision until after our season."