Batts to the Big East

A chance to get back to his roots was too hard to turn down for Powder Springs (Ga.) McEachern forward Kadeem Batts. The 6-foot-8 big man is headed to the Big East.

Batts, a three-star prospect, verbally committed to Providence College on Saturday night while on his official visit to the school. Batts grew up outside of Boston before moving to Georgia his sophomore year in high school. Having the chance to return "home" was an easy decision, he says.

"Before I came up here, my mom and I were talking about it and we felt like we needed to make the commitment to them anyways because out of all of the schools, Providence seemed like the best fit," Batts said. "I saw the campus, the atmosphere, the players and everything that they have to offer. It just felt so right."

Batts also considered College of Charleston, Marquette and Virginia Commonwealth, he said.

A meeting with head coach Keno Davis and his lead recruiter Pat Skeery made the decision for Batts easy, he said.

"We sat down and they just asked me if I was ready to come to school there and I said I was," Batts said. "They are great guys."

Being familiar with the Northeast and the New England area, Batts said the decision was easy down the home stretch.

"In the long run, it did. The main reason I wanted to go there was basketball but knowing the area and being close to my friends and family in Boston helped," Batts said. "The opportunity to play right away and playing in the Big East is awesome."

Batts joins gaurds Antoine Allen and Duke Mondy in the 2009 recruiting class for the Friars.