Austin emerging in 2009 class

When big man Waverly Austin returns to the Real Deal on the Hill AAU tournament next month in Fayetteville, Arkansas he will probably have a big smile on his face.

The 6-foot-9 big man from Progressive Christian (Md.) says he started his recruitment at the spring event. He is hoping to give his recruitment another shot in the arm next month.

"That is where it all got started," Austin said. "I had a good tournament there. That's when the college coaches started to recruit me."

It has been a year since he shined on the national stage. He left Jacksonville, Fla., for Progressive Christian in the D.C. area, where he has family roots. Austin says the time at the prep school has helped his progression in the game.

"I've learned a lot. They've helped me get ready for college because you are out there being on your own," Austin said. "You get more exposure for ball and your grades are going to get better because the classes are smaller. The teacher has more time to spend with you to go over things. It's all pretty good.

"I think I'm scoring at the basket better and my footwork has gotten a lot better. I've been working on my shot a lot, just my technique. My passing got a lot better. It's all coming together pretty good. I love running the floor. I love transition."

Recruiting has also returned to form to what it was after last year's Real Deal tournament. Austin said he has seen his recruitment take off this season.

"I've talked to a lot of coaches lately. It has just recently started to pick up. I didn't really have a lot looking at him before last year," Austin said.

Florida State, Jacksonville, North Florida and Stetson were involved prior to moving to Progressive. Temple, Nebraska, Maryland, Kansas State, Georgetown, Florida, Virginia Tech and Stanford are also in the mix now, he said. Austin has offers from Florida Atlantic, Tulane and Marshall

"Florida and Georgetown are my dream schools. I grew up watching them play," Austin said.

"I'd like to go to a high mid-major or a high-major. I think I can make an impact at that level."

While he remains open, Austin said he is thinking about the decision that he will have to make. With roots in both Jacksonville and in Virginia, Austin said he has thought about where he will want to play college ball.

"My mom wants to come and see my games so location might matter. But then my brother and my family in Virginia wants to see me play, too," Austin said. "I don't think it will really matter all that much."