Mayfield makes his decision

6-foot-9 232 pound C/F Jeremy Mayfield from MacArthur HS in Irving, TX had earlier narrowed his college choices to just Nevada and Nebraska. Last night he pulled the trigger on his decision, and Rivals.com has the exclusive story.

I was the first national talent evaluator to see Jeremy Mayfield, and this happened at the Jayhawk Invitational Tournament in Lawrence, Kan., last May 7-9, when he played for Coach Craig Roberts' Team Fort Worth. After observing his extraordinary athletic abilities and unlimited potential, I invited Mayfield to attend the NBPA Top 100 Camp in Richmond, VA in June, on the condition that he work hard to improve his academics, particulary, a course in algebra. And, he did.

The NBPA Camp was truly Jeremy Mayfield's "national debut." And, after his superb play there, he attended the adidas Superstar camp in Suwanee, Ga., in July, and was rated one of the top twelve players at that event.

He also played for the Houston Hoops summer team at the Nike Peach Jam Tournament in North Augusta, S.C. By the end of July Mayfield was literally besieged with contacts from major college programs from coast to coast.

In September, Jeremy trimmed his list to three schools, Nevada, Kansas State, and Nebraska.

He made his first visit to Reno, Nev., for the Wolf Pack's opening practice on October 16th. He subsequently cancelled his scheduled visit to Kansas State, but did go to Lincoln, Neb., to visit the Nebraska Cornhuskers last weekend.

As Rivals.com analyst Jerry Meyer accuratedly reported in his story on Friday, Mayfield was down to two schools, Nevada and Nebraska, and his decision appeared to be imminent.

At 3:30 pm Friday afternoon I received a call from his "aunt" and guardian, Mrs. Miah Hoskins, informing me that Jeremy had made his decision. I felt very honored when she said that since I was the person that gave Jeremy his first opportunity to get national exposure, he wanted me to be the first to know of his college choice.

Several hours later, after attending MacArthur High School's undefeated football team's victory celebration, Mayfield called me, and announced that he had chosen Coach Mark Fox's Nevada Wolf Pack to be his future college!

"I really had a great visit to Nevada and felt that I fit in better with the players and the coaches in that program," Mayfield said. "Kevin Pinkney was my host for the entire visit, and he did a great job telling me about the outstanding family atmosphere on the Wolf Pack basketball team, and how great his experience has been at the University of Nevada. And, I truly felt close to Coach Mark Fox, and believe that he can help me develop my game to the highest level."

"Right now I'm thinking that I'll commit to Nevada, but I may not sign until April," Mayfield continued. "I'm not sure about that, but I have until November 17th to decide. In any event I'm firmly committed to the Nevada Wolf Pack."

Coach Fox and his staff had set as their goal to recruit at least one marquee player this year. They came very close with 6-foot-7 wing forward Joey Shaw from Glendale, Ariz., Deer Valley High School, but he chose Indiana. In getting this commitment from Jeremy Mayfield, The Wolf Pack accomplished their mission of adding a truly outstanding prospect with limitless potential to their future team roster.

Mayfield is Nevada's second recruit this fall. He joins 6-foot-7 forward Richie Phillips from Franklin HS in Seattle, WA.

As a junior, Mayfield averaged 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 blocked shots per game for Coach Rick Menasco's MacArthur High School team.

"Last year Jeremy played as a team leader," said Coach Menasco. "He is an outstanding shooter with exceptional range for a big man. He needs to improve his low post defense, but with his remarkable athletic talent and work ethic, I think Mayfield has a chance to play somewhere after college." said Menasco.

In my opinion Jeremy Mayfield right now may be the most underrated, talented big man in this senior class. I am confident that when the final rankings are done for the Class of 2005, Mayfield will be rated among the Top 6 centers, and the national Top 50 players.

If you do not believe me, just wait and see.