A calculated move to stay another year at the prep level has changed the future of Josh Dollard. The 6-foot-8, 210-pound forward from Hemingway, S.C., native will return to Prince Avenue Prep for a fifth year and because of that, he has seen his recruitment sky-rocket.

As a senior, he had schools in the Ohio Valley and Southern conferences showing interest but unsatisfied, and somewhat unstable in the classroom, Dollard decided to wait another year before jumping into the collegiate ranks.

“That’s real big for me,” Dollard said of the extra year. “I know I need to get my grades up. Plus, I think I can develop my understanding of the game more. I’m a lot better than what I was last year. Things are coming together.”

Things began to heat up in July when he shined on the AAU circuit with the South Carolina Ravens. Dollard has the size to compete inside the paint but the shooting ability to make him effective on the wing.

“I think I had a real good Peach Jam and that helped my recruitment a lot,” Dollard said. “Then with me taking a prep year, I have a lot more chances to go higher than I did before.”

His chances now include some high-major programs. Tulsa, Virginia Tech, Miami-FL, Oklahoma and Maryland are interested, according to the forward. “Virginia Tech and Maryland both said they have a scholarship for me,” Dollard said.

“Oklahoma is all over him,” Prince Avenue head coach Mark Knight said. “They are beating down my door. They send him a letter about everyday and they always say, ‘We want you at OU.’”

As good as he played in July, don’t expect a quick decision. Academically, he still needs to qualify. Don’t be surprised to see him sign in April.