Offers coming in for Black

Memphis Ridgeway big man Tarik Black made a strong statement in July with his physical and inspired play. Now a number of schools are pursuing the four-star 2010 prospect.

According to Black's travel team coach Eric Robinson of the Memphis Magic, Black now has offers from Arkansas, Baylor, Ole Miss, Missouri, Memphis, Tennessee, Northern Illinois and UTEP.

Arkansas, Ole Miss, Missouri and Memphis have all been in the gym this month to watch Black. Alabama is expected to come in later this week. USC is also showing strong interest as well.

At 6-foot-7, 230-pounds, Black is an explosive athlete who plays bigger than his size. He can protect the basket with his shot blocking ability and has the ability to rebound outside of his area. He's not just a shot blocker and rebounder, though. Black has a developing repertoire of post move and has the ability to hit the face up jumper.

"A lot of people don't know that Tarik can shoot the ball," said Robinson. "He's so dominant around the basket. Next year if we can get another big man, I want to play him as a three/four. He's been working hard on his wing skills. We're doing a lot of stuff off two or three dribbles."

As for who Black favors on his school list, Robinson said his big man is wide open.

"All this is really fresh to him," he said. "He doesn't know who he likes right now. He is just working hard on his game."

Black, who is the No. 61 ranked prospect in the class of 2010, did recently visit Ole Miss on an unofficial visit.