Waller makes his choice

Tampa Prep senior forward David Waller, a first-team Times all-county pick, has committed to Amherst College, Tampa Prep coach Joe Fenlon confirmed Monday. The 6-foot-6 standout picked the Division III power over Princeton and Penn. The Lord Jeffs won the Division III national title in 2007 and were the national runnersup in 2008.

"They're perennial top five in the country," Fenlon said.

Waller averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds a game as a senior. He helped lead the Terrapins to the playoffs.

"He made the decision early on that he was looking only at highly academic institutions," Fenlon said. "He had many opportunities. He could have signed with mid-Division I programs. But he and his family know that eventually the ball is going to stop bouncing. Going to Amherst will open a lot of doors for him later in life."

Waller visited the school in November.

"I didn't want to try to play for an Ivy League championship and hopefully get in the NCAA Tournament," Waller said. "At Amherst, they play for a national championship every year. And the academics are fantastic."

-- KEITH NIEBUHR