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Big Dex staying in Texas

Everything is bigger in Texas. And that is certainly the case for Dexter Pittman, the 6-foot-10, 320-pound center from Rosenburg (Texas) Terry High School. And now the kid they call "Big Dex" will be the biggest basketball player on the campus of Texas next year. The three-star prospect verbally committed to the Longhorns on Monday.
After officially visiting Texas, Pittman decided he was ready to throw up the horns and pledge his services to the Big 12 school, according to Terry head coach Bennett Hatton.
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"It's concrete and verbally agreed," Hatton said. "He's not signed, sealed and delivered yet but he's going to Texas. The proximity was the key. He wanted to be close to home. This kid was born and raised here."
Hatton is no stranger to the Pittman family. He coached Dexter's father Johnny in high school and watched the elder Pittman grow into a McDonald's All-American before playing at Oklahoma State. Hatton believes the younger Pittman has a chance to be a good college player.
"He can shoot free throws and he his daddy couldn't. I remind (Johnny) of that every time I see him," Hatton joked. "But Dexter is going to grow up and mature into a very good player. The sky is the limit for him if he does what he's supposed to do."
Translation: Pittman must condition his body into Big 12 shape. Texas plans on helping in that process, Hatton said.
"He's definitely got to lose the weight but Texas isn't worried about that. They know they can condition him and get him onto a good nutrition program," Hatton said. "You know these kids. They all eat at McDonald's every day. In college, he'll be able to get into some good habits."
The big bodied center has a good skill set already.
"He's going to be great player because he's great inside, a great rebounder and can really use what God gave him. He knows how to use that big size and he's strong inside," Hatton said. "Dexter has very soft hands can do some good things. Most importantly, he's a great kid with a bright mind, good work ethic and very humble."
Texas has made a habit of landing the top players from the Lone Star state. The class of 2006 is no different. Pittman joins Harrison Smith and Justin Mason. Rick Barnes and his staff have been able to lock up guys like Daniel Gibson, Brad Buckman, LaMarcus Aldridge and C.J. Miles, who ended up leaving for the NBA draft instead of Austin.
Pittman picked Texas over Florida State and Arizona State
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