Pettway: Two Early Trips, But Will Sign Late

Aaron Pettway, the developing 6-10, 230 pound center from Hutchinson C.C. in Hutchinson, Kan., is taking his second official visit this weekend.

Pettway, who visited Georgetown last weekend (Sept. 19-21), will be at Mississippi State this weekend (Sept. 26-28).

According to Hutchinson Asst. Coach Eric Duft, Pettway won't take any more trips this fall after his visit to Starkville. Junior colleges begin practice on Oct. 1, meaning that Pettway will bank his remaining three trips for the spring.

"Aaron is going to take his time making a decision -- that's just his personality," Duft said. "He's very meticulous, and he realizes that the decision could have an economic impact on his future."

"He is looking to see who has the most need for him," Duft continued. "He also wants to go to a school where the coaching staff is very stable."

In addition to Georgetown and Mississippi State, Pettway is considering eight other schools.

Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Maryland, Oklahoma State and Howard are among that lot.

Duft said that a who's who of coaches have been through Hutchinson to visit with Pettway. The only two head coaches of the 10 finalists on his list that haven't been out to Hutch thus far are Maryland's Gary Williams and Georgia Tech's Paul Hewitt.

Of course, those coaches have the luxury of making the trek out to Kansas during the junior college basketball season, which kicks off in early November. [Note: After the fall evaluation period ends in October, coaches won't be able to go back out on the road until Thursday, Nov. 20, the day after the early signing period concludes.]

"He is definitely going to sign late," Duft echoed. "He'll have three more schools to visit after the season."

JUCO Junction will keep an eye on Pettway's situation as the basketball season approaches. Stay tuned!