Football wasn't the only USF team to come out a big winner this weekend, as basketball coach Stan Heath got a commitment from Waverly Austin, a 6-foot-10, 248-pound center who had also been considering Big East rivals Cincinnati, Connecticut and Seton Hall.
"I just felt like when I was spending time with my teammates, I had a good feel for them," said Austin, who is attending Heat Academy in Martinsville, Va. "I feel like I fit in real good there and an can max out all my potential."
Austin, 19, who said he had an offer from Cincinnati and was previously planning to visit Seton Hall next weekend, is now USF's second commitment toward the 2010 class, following Chicago point guard Lavonte Dority. Austin was also considering Connecticut and Indiana, but hadn't received offers from those programs. USF will return much of its post players in Gus Gilchrist, Jarrid Famous and Toarlyn Fitzpatrick next season, but Austin will give Heath an athletic center who can run the floor.
"Coach Heath says he likes me because I'm versatile," Austin said. "I can run the floor and finish above the rim on the fast break. I can step out and hit an 18-footer and also play with my back to the basket."
Scout.com lists Austin as a two-star recruit, and Rivals.com lists him as a one-star, but also hasn't updated his information in a year, listing him as 6-9 and 190 pounds. Austin calls Fredricksburg, Va., home, though his mother lives in Jacksonville and that proximity helped him choose USF over more northern options.
Times sportswriter Greg Auman, who covers USF, will post news and thoughts on the Bulletin and we invite your participation in the comments area.
Seton Hall and Cincy offered him. Cincinnati coach Mick Cronin is one of the very best recruiters in the Big East. If he thinks Austin( 2* by both Rival and Scout)can play for the Bearcats then he certainly can play for USF.
Never judge talent by what Scout or Rivals say because I've seen to many guys with 0 or 1 star go to 3 or 4 stars just because of the school they commit to.
Posted by: The Champ | November 02, 2009 at 04:57 AM
One and two stars! Watch out North Carolina! (that should be a billboard)
Posted by: USFshould be 1-AA | November 02, 2009 at 12:17 AM
Finally, USF will play again in my backyard...Las Vegas, I will be there!
Posted by: 702JV | November 01, 2009 at 11:29 PM
Glad to see hiring the assistant video coordinator has paid off again!
I am really starting to realize that JU is missing out on alot of players. Famous and now Austin both came to USF to be close to Jacksonville. War Artis Gilmore.
Posted by: Reality | November 01, 2009 at 09:20 PM
Awesome we're talking some hoops during a pretty decent football season to date. Show's that Heath has things going in the right direction... Looking forward to seeing the Bulls in Vegas (you going Greg?).
Posted by: Terry Lucas | November 01, 2009 at 09:16 PM
Way to get some VA talent Coach... Northern VA is not a super hotbed for talent like the Hampton area, but there is some talent to be had (Grant Hill and David Robinson played within 45 minutes of Austin's town).
Posted by: Terry Lucas | November 01, 2009 at 09:15 PM
waverly austin is going to be a great fit for the bulls next season. We need to pick up another wing or guard
kc ross miller, miker buffalo or kervins calixte, one of those guys would be good.
lets goo bulls
Posted by: bullsnation | November 01, 2009 at 08:29 PM
He told me 245 a month ago, so I think it's more likely that the 190 figure is even older than a year ago ...
Posted by: G.A. | November 01, 2009 at 07:06 PM
Even if his stats hadn't been updated in a year going from 190 to 248 seems like alot tome.
Posted by: Richard Todd | November 01, 2009 at 06:46 PM
Way to go Coach! Go get em. I feel several teams in the BE this year will be 'shocked' by USF. Better pay attention BE and not treat Tampa like a trip to the beach!
Go Bulls!
Posted by: BA | November 01, 2009 at 06:42 PM
Heath is very good coach. It will show in the long run. I am a Heath fan.
Posted by: DJ | November 01, 2009 at 06:28 PM
Don't forget about Ron Anderson for next year.
Posted by: Remember | November 01, 2009 at 05:46 PM
Yes a 6-7 or better wing player would be great, but only if he can truly help the program. G.A. could be right in that Heath looks to get the best athletic he can. There are still some guys that would fit that description still on the board.
Posted by: Vega | November 01, 2009 at 05:07 PM
I think some form of a wing player will be the last guy. I think that going with a slasher would be better than a shooter, assuming that this year's new guys live up to their reputation as shooters.
I like the Austin pick-up. He doesn't have the recruiting stars, but offers from Seton Hall and Cincy show that we're not alone in considering him a Big East talent. I like that Stan has targeted two guys to fill the pressing needs and found guys with some pretty solid offer sheets. Austin has good size, so hopefully Heath can build him into a productive player.
Posted by: David Weber | November 01, 2009 at 04:46 PM
It's something of a wild card -- I'd say it's the best athlete Stan Heath can find. There's not an overwhelming positional need if the current freshmen can develop well.
Posted by: G.A. | November 01, 2009 at 03:49 PM
Sounds great. One recruit to go? Is that another inside guy?
Posted by: Ken | November 01, 2009 at 03:44 PM