Levi Jones Still Open
Levi Jones, a 6-11, 245 pound center from Minneapolis Community and Technical College in Minneapolis, Minn., has decided to reopen his recruiting process this spring.
Jones, who had committed to Oklahoma State this winter only to see his scholarship offer pulled off the table, met with Pitt Head Coach Ben Howland on Tuesday.
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MCTC Head Coach Jay Pivec told JUCO Junction/Rivalshoops.com that Jones will now be looking at all of his options this spring.
"Pitt likes Levi but there is no offer on the table yet," Pivec said. "My guess is that he is now going to be available."
Pivec added that Howland could still call back and tender a scholarship offer this spring. Jones visited both Pittsburgh and Oklahoma State during the college basketball season, and eventually committed to Eddie Sutton's Cowboy program in February.
Earlier this month, Rivalshoops.com spoke with Pivec shortly after Oklahoma State pulled its scholarship off the table. At that time, Pittsburgh was the only school under consideration, but yesterday's meeting with Coach Howland did not yield a scholarship offer and commitment.
"Coach Howland is going to get back with us," Pivec said. "He was forthright and honest, but he just doesn't know if it's going to be the right fit."
Pitt recently secured a commitment from one of the better post players in the Class of 2003 when they scooped up Walter Hudson of Detroit, Mich. The Panthers have also been linked to 6-8 Fordham transfer Jeff McMillan, who played on the same club team as current Pitt freshman guard Carl Krauser.
Pivec said that New Mexico, Albany, Florida International, Eastern Washington and Northern Iowa have contacted him regarding Jones this spring.
"Levi is going to land on his feet," Pivec said. "We just need to reevaluate where is going to be a good spot for him."