Dayton sophomre will stay home

Juwan Staten is a Dayton kid. Born and bred on the hardwoods in the birthplace of aviation, the 5-foot-10 point guard from Thurgood Marshall High School decided he won't be going very far from home for college. Staten will remain a Dayton kid for a lot longer.

Staten gave a verbal commitment to the Dayton Flyers and continues the string of local kids staying home to play for Brian Gregory and staff. Staten joins Chris Wright, a current freshman for the Flyers, and Josh Benson, a 2008 signee, as the top players from the city to stay home.

"It's always good to be the hometown guy that stays home for college," Staten said. "It's funny because Chris, Josh and I all used to laugh about being the guys that stayed home to play. Then when Chris went there and Josh committed, it started to look a lot more serious. I think we could really make it a special place to play and get other kids in the future to stay home."

Staten, a jet-quick guard, enjoyed a huge sophomore campaign, averaging 23 points and eight assists per game this season. He also considered Xavier, Purdue and Cincinnati.

"I really liked the way they use their point guard in their system and I like what Brian Roberts has done there," Staten said. "I see myself in his shoes at that point guard spot. I like to have the ball in my hands just like he does. It's going be a good time there."

Staten said he has already developed a strong relationship with the coaching staff and looks forward to suiting up for Gregory and company down the road.

"The coaches are real down to earth guys. I'm comfortable with them," he said. "Coach Gregory is a great person. You can talk to him as a friend but he's also a guy that doesn't sugar coat things. I really respect him and can't wait to play for him."