Pittsburgh Recruiting

BIG EAST RECRUITING UPDATE: PITTSBURGH

January 12, 2009

2010 Verbal Commitment Alert: Isaiah Epps, 6’2 (G) from Plainfield (NJ) High School.

PROJECTED 2009-20010 PITTSBURGH ROSTER:

Senior: Jermaine Dixon (G)
Juniors: Gilbert Brown (SF/G), Bradley Wanamaker (G), Gary McGhee (C), DeJuan Blair (PF)
Sophomores: Travon Woodall (PG), Nasir Robinson (G/F), Ashton Gibbs (G)
2009 Commits: Lamar Patterson (SG), Dante Taylor (PF), J/J. Richardson (F), Talib Zanna (BF/C), , Dwight Miller* (PF)
2010 Commitment: Isaiah Epps

* Dwight Miller is expected to redshirt the 2008-2009 season and have freshman eligibility in the 2009-2010 season.

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by Chris Dokish

Pittsburgh’s Jamie Dixon struck while the iron was hot this week as the head coach used his program’s current No. 1 status to land one of the premier point guards in the country, 6’2″ Isaiah Epps of Plainfield (NJ) HS. Epps, currently considered a top 50 prospect in the 2010 class, needs to add some strength and weight, but has very good speed and athleticism, as well as an excellent understanding of the game. His main forte, however, is his offensive game, including an excellent three point shot.

“I decided last week,” stated Epps, “but I didn’t tell the Pitt coaches until last night.”

Maryland was considered an early leader a few months ago, but that all changed when Epps officially visited Pitt in early November. “I just loved it when I went there,” said Epps. “I loved everything about it. ”

Pitt assistant Brandin Knight, who like Epps played for the NJ Playaz AAU team, was also huge in landing the guard. “Brandin was at Playaz, which was really cool. He and I got along a lot. Plus, I loved the academics, the coaches, and all the players.”

Next season Epps will not be at Plainfield because he will have exceeded the age limit, so Pitt is expected to help him land at a prep school. In two years, Epps will battle his second cousin, Travon Woodall, at the point. Woodall is a true freshman this season but multiple injuries are leading the staff to pursue a redshirt.

The Panthers only had one opening for the 2010 class, but they will continue to pursue top prospects, especially 6’4″ wing Will Barton of Lake Clifton HS in Baltimore, MD. The staff is also open to adding more front court talent, especially if Panthers center DeJuan Blair decided to leave early for the NBA. One player that Dixon recently checked in on was 6’9″ Adreian Payne of Jefferson HS in Dayton, OH. Payne is considered a top 10 prospect.

For more on Epps’ commitment to Pitt and an overview on the Panthers’ recruiting efforts, please visit our Pittsburgh Team Blog Site on our NBE network.

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