Coaches checking out Romanian center

Coach John Jordan, who coached Memphis freshman Doneal Mack at Statesville (N.C.) Christian, has relocated to Veritas Christian Academy in Ashville, N.C. And the coach has another big time prospect in Catalin Baciu, a 2008 7-foot-1 center from Romania.

"Catalin is the real deal," Coach Jordan told Rivals.com. "Bruce Pearl is scheduled to come in Wednesday, and Coach Calipari is sending in Coach Kellogg tonight for our open gym. I also expect North Carolina and NC State to be coming in soon."

Baciu, who averaged a double/double in the U18 European Championships according to Coach Jordan, is a skilled big man.

"He has a beautiful jump hook and range out to 18-feet," commented Jordan. "He has a very high release, so no one is going to block his shot. He's pretty aggressive and is long and runs well. With his 9'8 reach he is a pretty good shot blocker, but he could be better and he will become a better shot blocker."

Coach Jordan is also high on his Lithuanian senior Paulius Skema, who projects as a low to mid-major prospect. Davidson and Niagara are presently showing interest in the 6-foot-8, 220-pound power forward.

"Paulius is very good in the high post and has good range," said Jordan. "He is also an aggressive rebounder."