Hollowell plans to make decision Thursday

He's got a pretty good idea of where he wants to go to college, so Jeremy Hollowell doesn't see any need for dragging things out. The junior will announce his decision during a Thursday afternoon press conference at Indianapolis (Ind.) Lawrence Central.

On the eve of his commitment, the 6-foot-6 swingman discussed his game and recruitment.

"I'm a versatile guy who can guard multiple positions, probably two through four," Hollowell said of why coaches have recruited him. "I can shoot from outside pretty well, I can get to the basket, I can score in the post and rebound.

"I think the biggest thing I've picked up is passing. I've been double-teamed quite a few times and I've learned to find the open guy and pitch it."

Just about 24 hours from his decision, the four-star Hollowell, who ranks No. 39 overall in the class, says that he's down to Purdue, Ohio State, Indiana and Cincinnati.

He spent some time breaking down each team, starting with Purdue.

"I like the way they play," said Hollowell. "They had a great season this year and my cousin, Terone Johnson, goes there. I've been up there with him and I like the arena and Coach (Matt) Painter and the school."

Looking to the East, Hollowell thinks there's plenty to like about Ohio State.

"They always have a good team and I like Coach (Thad) Matta and the system," Hollowell said of the Buckeyes. "I like the players that come out of there and from visiting I like the campus and the atmosphere. I like their style of play and think I would fit in."

Hollowell acknowledges that Indiana has been adding plenty of local products of late and that the idea of staying local isn't so bad.

"I like IU, I like them a lot," says Hollowell of Tom Crean and the Hoosiers. "I've been up there a lot of times just hanging out with friends and getting a feel for them outside of basketball. I like the players they are bringing in, those guys are good and are trying to turn the program around. I like Coach Crean and it's the hometown school."

Finally, the idea of playing in the Big East holds some intrigue for Hollowell and that's why Mick Cronin's Cincinnati Bearcats are still in the picture.

"I love the Big East and how many great teams they have," Hollowell said. "They have a good team, a lot of good players and a good style. It's still close to home even though it's in the Big East conference. Coach Cronin, he let's his guys play their game. But the biggest thing is the conference they are in."

Whichever school he chooses at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Hollowell will just be glad to have his recruitment out of the way. Then, he can focus on the next step in his career.

"It's about the best fit for my family and things like that," said Hollowell of how he'll decide. "I'm just ready to get it over with and take that next step. I want to know where I'm going and not have that stress with AAU coming up and people coming up and always asking where I'm going. It's about preparing for that next level."