Francis Coach: Expect Late August Decision

Torin Francis, a highly skilled 6-10, 220-pound forward from Mount Tabor Academy in Massachusetts, is likely to make a late August decision, according to his head coach, David First.

"He is going to take several unofficial visits first before he decides," First said. "But it looks like it will probably be decided late summer,probably in late August."

Francis is expected to take visits to North Carolina, Maryland, Georgetown, Notre Dame, Georgia Tech, and Virginia, according to First.

"These are the schools he is visiting," First said. "There are others he is considering. But he doesn't have a list (defined)."

Torin, in the middle of taking his final exams this week, is supposed to start his unofficial visits on June 14th. Our source also tells us North Carolina leads but Francis is certainly open to the other schools since he expects to visit their campuses too. First said it was too early to say who was the leader.

Francis had a great season as a junior. Francis averaged 20 points and 10 rebounds per contest. Francis previously mentioned Boston College, Connecticut, and Duke. He could visit Duke while he is down in North Carolina for his Tar Heel visit. He remains wide open and has not ruled out any school so far.

Right before the contact period ended last winter, several big name schools, including the teams mentioned above, watched Francis workout in Boston. They all left with the feeling that Francis will be recognized as one of the best players in the class of 2002.