Top five for JUCO

With Pitt having a week off between games recently, the coaching staff was able to go on the road and make plenty of recruiting visits. One of the top priorities at the moment is finding a center to bring in alongside international big man Shaquille Doorson, and Justin Jamison is one of the top targets for that spot.

The Pitt coaches visited Jamison last week, and he spoke to Panther-Lair.com about the visit.

"Coach (Jamie) Dixon was at our practice last Monday," Jamison said. "We sat down and had a great talk after."

In addition to Pitt, Jamison has offers from Florida State, Kent State, Oregon, SMU, TCU, Texas Tech and Wichita State.

"A few schools have jumped in but I am trying to narrow it down," he said. "I would say Texas Tech and Pitt are recruiting me the hardest."

One new school that is entering the picture and could change things is Ohio State. Jamison, a native of Cleveland, is interested in the Buckeyes, although they have not offered yet. As it stands right now, the 6'9" 260-pound JUCO center from West Plains (MO) Missouri State-West Plains has five schools he is focused on.

"There is no order with this list, but it is Texas Tech, Pitt, Oregon, SMU, and Wichita State," Jamison said. "Ohio State may be the other school with a chance, but that is pretty much where I am at right now."

Jamison added that he should be going on the road for visits in the near future.

"Friday is the start of our playoffs and I will take my visits after the season ends. I will need to sort out the dates and all of that then."

Jamison is a unique prospect. After a brief stint in minor league baseball, he is starting to get back into basketball shape. As he continues to drop weight and reshape his body while putting up impressive numbers, college coaches have become intrigued. Pitt was one of the first schools to uncover his story, but now the Panthers have some competition.