Bulls Land 'Famous' JUCO Big Man

Coach Stan Heath and the Bulls got a big piece of the puzzle when Jarrid Famous a 6’11 center out of Westchester Community College gave a verbal commitment to play for the Bulls after an in-home visit by Coach Heath.

USF basketball Coach Stan Heath finally got the big man he was looking for when Westchester Community College center Jarrid Famous gave his pledge to play for the Bulls after an in-home visit by Coach Heath.

“He verbally committed to them last night,” said Westchester Community College coach Tyrone Mushatt Monday afternoon.

At 6’11/235 pounds, Famous was one of the top prospects left on the board, and the heavily recruited big man narrowed his choices down to by Seton Hall, Missouri, and Arizona, Houston, St. Johns, and Pittsburgh. Famous took officials to South Florida, Missouri, and just returned home from Arizona Sunday, and the Bulls head coach was waiting.

“Coach Heath was doing his job, and did it well,” said Mushatt. “Jarrid had some powerful schools recruiting him and Coach Heath made a big impression on him. He loved the Head coach down there.”

The opportunity to play in the Big East, coach Heath and location also played a big part in his decision.

“It’s in Tampa, and Jarrid said he wants to be wearing shorts year round,” said Mushatt. “Jarrid also has family in Florida, a grandmother and a couple uncles that live close by. He also said that on his visit he felt real comfortable with the staff and the players.”

Last season Famous was named NJCAA 3rd Team Preseason All-America and a 2008-09 Sporting News 5th Team All-American after averaging 24 points, just under 15 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks a game. Jarrid will come in as a center/power forward, playing the 4/5 combo, and will give the Bulls that inside presence that Coach Heath needs to compete in the Big East.

The Bulls announced that guard Mike Burwell Jr. signed his NCAA Letter of Intent last week, joining guards Jordan Dumars and Shaun Noriega who signed during the November signing period as part of the incoming class for the 2009-10season. The signing period runs from April 15 through May 20 and USF is expected to stay busy with Sandi Marcius visiting USF this weekend, and power forwards Bryant and Daequon Montreal still un committed.

Stay tuned with USFNation.com for further updates on Jarrid Famous and the rest of the 2009 recruiting class