Nelson makes his pick

Close to home or the ACC? That was Phillip Nelson's dilemma and after a weekend trip to the University of Washington, the 6-foot-8 super shooter made his decision. Rivals.com caught up with the four-star stud on Sunday afternoon and got the scoop on his collegiate decision.

The 6-foot-8, 190-pound prospect from Kaizer, Ore., traveled up Interstate 5 this weekend and took in the sights and sounds in Seattle. He had such a good time that he verbally committed to the Pac-10 school.

"I had a good time up there," Nelson said. "I've been with the coaches for a long time and I really liked what they've had to say for so long. I felt like they have some good things going."

They do. Lorenzo Romar and his staff brought in a huge recruiting class last year, highlighted by some of the best players in the West, including Jon Brockman, and they picked up right where they left off in 2006. Nelson joins Quincy Pondexter, one of the top small forwards in the country, and point guard Adrian Oliver for this year's group.

Nelson picked the Huskies over interest from Georgia Tech and Gonzaga. He visited the Jackets last weekend and sources say Nelson was to pick between the ACC school and the nearby program. Proximity played a huge part in his decision, Nelson said.

"They were in there longer and they were closer to home," Nelson said of Washington. "My friends and family can come and see me anytime they want to."

The excitement continues to grown for Washington and with the football team struggling to regain it's national prowess, Nelson said the attention is shifting to the hardwood.

"Oh man, everybody is talking about next year," Nelson said. "The kids up there are excited about it. They are excited about the class coming in. Basketball is real big right now up there."

The No. 71 ranked player in the country will have a huge role for Washington's continued national success. He's one of the best shooters in the country and that is just what the Huskies liked in him, Nelson said.

"I like to shoot the ball and that's what they needed for a while," Nelson said. "They said they need a shooter that can come in and put the lights out."

Well, Washington found the perfect player.