Speedy point guard Gary Ervin of New York City told RivalsHoops.com that he will announce for Mississippi State soon. "I am going to commit to them," Ervin said. "It's a school that I can just focus on academics and basketball. I don't want to get involved with partying or any of that other stuff. I just want to play basketball and go to school. This is a place where I can do that."

Ervin also told us that his mom lives in the area too and that was important.

This is a tremendous pickup for Mississippi State since Ervin established this summer that he is one of the best points available in the 2003 class. Now all he has to do is take care of the academic part this year and he will end up being a great college basketball player.

Ervin is a tough, hard-nosed and strong guard who loves to challenge the trees inside. At the Showcase last week, the staff of Mississippi State followed him around. While at the tournament, Ervin said he was interested also in Connecticut, Alabama, North Carolina State, Georgia Tech, Seton Hall, Pittsburgh, Arizona, and Miami.

Ervin is blessed with some serious fast twitch muscles, capable of taking it from first to third gear off the dribble in a heartbeat. He is an explosive leaper who can crunch a dunk with relative ease. Ervin possesses good lateral quickness as well as speed and leaping ability. He is a better passer than most give him credit for, a capable playmaker when he is under control.

Ervin has decided to attend Notre Dame Academy in Massachusetts for a post graduate year.