Justin Jamison talks SMU interest

Missouri State-West Plains big man Justin Jamison recently updated us on where he's at in the recruiting process as he is set to leave Junior College with his two years of eligibility left. The class of 2014 forward recently narrowed down his list of schools to five: Texas Tech, Pitt, Oregon, Wichita State, and SMU.

The 6-foot-9, 250-pounder informed us on what's been up lately and where he plans to visit in the near future.

"Our season just ended," Jamison told PonyPride. "Now I'm getting ready to take visits and setting them up. Actually in about 15 minutes I'm leaving to go visit Texas Tech on an official. Then I'm going to Pitt this weekend and Dayton next weekend."

Jamison detailed what his communication has been like with the SMU coaching staff.

"I've heard from them quite a bit. Coach Larry Brown and his assistants came out to my practice and the assistants have been to a few of my games. They texted me the other day talking about setting up a visit. It's going to have to be after my spring break, which is the week after the Dayton visit."

The Juco prospect expanded on his conversations with the Hall of Fame SMU head coach.

"They just told me why they're recruiting me and talked about how I would fit in on the team. They said they feel real good. Coach Brown said he wasn't here to recruit me to sit the bench and how he wants me to come in and contribute right away. That's exactly what I'm looking for since I've only got 2 years of eligibility left."

Jamison has a very unique background. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers out of high school in 2009 but an injury eventually led him back to basketball.

"My second year in spring training I got hurt and I ended up getting released. I partially tore my labrum pitching in rookie ball. I didn't play again until 2011. When I came back it wasn't the same anymore. I didn't feel baseball in my heart anymore."

At 6-9, 250, the big man is definitely suited for hoops. The Strongsville, Ohio native described his game for us.

"I'm a versatile big. I'm athletic for my size and can run the floor. I can step out and shoot if I have to but I like to play back to basket. I just like to score. I'm an offensive big. I've got a lot of room for improvement on the defensive side. I started playing basketball my sophomore year of high school. This summer I'm going to be getting my body in shape, getting stronger, learning defensive principles, and working on my low post defense. I can block shots but want to work on timing."

Jamison has been following the surging SMU Mustangs basketball program this year. He gave us his thoughts on it.

"Its exciting times down there at SMU. I would love to be apart of it. I'd be honored."

We'll continue to follow Jamison's recruitment very closely and pass along information on when he plans to visit the Hilltop in the next few weeks.