Cincinnati adds five star forward

It was pretty well known that five-star prospect Jermaine Lawrence would be making his college decision soon. Of that, there wasn't much dispute.

However, there was plenty of dispute about which college program the 6-foot-9 forward from Sparta (N.J.) Pope John XXIII would choose. Leading up to the decision, signs and chatter had him leaning towards staying closer to home and picking St. John's while some insisted Cincinnati was the behind the scenes leader.

Sunday, Lawrence proved those backing Mick Cronin and the Bearcats right when he announced a verbal commitment via social media.

Ranked No. 21 nationally in the class of 2013, Lawrence is major get for Cronin and his staff.

Lawrence is a long and rangy forward who can score around the rim, in transition and by facing guys up and attacking them off the dribble. He's a good mid range jump shooter with length and a body that can be built upon. He has battled injuries over the last year, but when fully healthy he is tough to handle.

The fourth player on board with the Bearcats, Lawrence joins a recruiting class that includes Rivals150 ranked three-star prospects DeShaun Morman and Kevin Johnson plus big man Jamaree Strickland.