First Talks About Torin Francis Decision

Tabor Academy coach David First said that Torin Francis was like a potential home buyer. "He wanted to see what was available and he liked what he saw in Notre Dame," First said. "Notre Dame's house may not be as fully furnished as some of the other houses are but they are almost there. Notre Dame is going to have a great run and Torin is excited.

First said the decision was difficult. "It came down to a combination of academics and athletics," First said. "Torin has lofty goals academically and he has lofty goals as a basketball player. He wants to play in the NBA. He appreciates Mike Brey's vision."

First said that Torin appreciated each of the schools in his process -- North Carolina, Maryland, Georgetown, Georgia Tech, Boston College, Virginia.

Ultimately, Virginia's strength with size may have hurt them. But Virginia was one of the two finalists while Florida was slightly behind both the Cavaliers and Notre Dame. "Torin had an extremely tough decision," First said. "But he had a vision in place and Notre Dame fits this vision of what he wants to be as a student and an athlete."