Men's Basketball

Pitt basketball nets two more recruits

Amidst all the excitement of National Signing Day for prospective college football recruits last Wednesday, the Pitt men’s basketball team added to its own 2017 recruiting class.

The Panthers received a pair of verbal commitments last week, one from small forward Shamiel Stevenson Tuesday then another from center Peace Ilegomah Friday.

Pitt head coach Kevin Stallings now has six commits in his first full recruiting class as head coach, but the team only has five scholarships to fill — meaning at least one player on this year’s team is likely planning to transfer after this season.

With three guards and one power forward already signed to Pitt’s 2017 class, Stevenson fills a much-needed hole at small forward for the Panthers.

Stevenson is a 6-foot-5, 190-pound wingman out of Hillcrest Academy in Phoenix. Originally from Oakville, Canada, Stevenson is a three-star prospect according to Rivals. He announced his intentions Tuesday night via Twitter.

“I want to thank Dwayne Washington and the Uplay organization for everything they have done for me, as well as all the people and coaches that have guided me along the way, especially coach Geno,” Stevenson wrote. “I am proud to announce that next year I will be attending the University of Pittsburgh.”

Ilegomah, a native of Nigeria, is a 6-foot-10, 230-pound center out of Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida — the same high school as point guard Marcus Carr, an already-signed Pitt commit. The high school announced Ilegomah’s commitment Friday afternoon via Twitter.

Along with the two new verbal commits, the Panthers have four official recruits that already signed National Letters of Intent Nov. 10.

Carr is a four-star point guard prospect according to Rivals, while Aaron Thompson is a three-star point guard out of Fairfax, Virginia. Jared Wilson-Frame is a top-ranked junior college shooting guard transferring from Northwest Florida State College, giving the Panthers three talented guards in the 2017 class.

Terrell Brown, meanwhile, is a three-star power forward out of Tilton, New Jersey.

Recruits in the 2017 class who did not sign during the early period from Nov. 9 to 16 can officially sign their National Letters of Intent April 12.

sportsdesk

Share
Published by
sportsdesk

Recent Posts

SGB hears fiscal year 2025 budget requests

During its weekly meeting on Tuesday at Nordy’s Place, the Student Government Board reviewed proposals…

1 day ago

Students bracing for political tension during Thanksgiving break 

Students are, by and large, excited to return home to spend time with family during…

1 day ago

Pitt sounds airhorns as crows migrate to campus

Crow populations have increased significantly in recent months due to the birds’ migration to Pittsburgh.…

1 day ago

University Gamelan Ensemble explores music, culture and creativity at Bellefield Hall concert

The University of Pittsburgh Gamelan Ensemble played at the Bellefield Hall Auditorium on Nov. 18th,…

2 days ago

Photos: University Gamelan Ensemble

Pitt’s Gamelan Ensemble performs in Bellefield Hall on Monday, Nov. 18.

2 days ago

Opinion | The best ways to make the most of the holiday season

From baking treats to ice skating in the cold weather, there is so much to…

2 days ago