The big men are fading fast off the recruiting list for programs as the basketball season draws nearer. Kids are committing at a fervent pace, coaches have evaluated any tip they have received over the last month and, as always, schools are still looking for a player that can help inside the paint. One such player may be Andy Ogide, a 6-foot-7, 212-pound power forward from Paulding County High School in Dallas, Ga.

Ogide has long been under the national recruiting radar and even on the summer circuit, he played with the Georgia Stars Black team. He didn't attend any of the shoe camps and stitches in his shooting hand slowed him down in Orlando, where a number of college coaches were sitting on the sidelines.

Ogide, a strong student, said he feels like he's finally at the point where he wanted to be going into the summer.

"Honestly, I feel a lot better right now than I did before the summer," he said at the Georgia Hoops Fall Showcase. "I cut my finger, had the stitches and just didn't feel like I was able to play my best."

He was at his best last weekend against some quality big men from the Peach State. Ogide is an aggressive forward with high-major hops. Offensively, he's still a raw product as a midrange shooter and defender away from the basket. But inside the paint, he's in his element.

A high-major player? Perhaps. A number of high-major conference schools have been out to see him play this fall. Ogide said Mississippi State, Arizona State, Miami and Ole Miss have all made it out.

A quality mid-major prospect? Absolutely. Ogide is holding offers from Furman, Middle Tennessee State, Wofford, Georgia State, Mercer and Appalachian State.

Two schools have made an impression, he said.

"I like Mississippi State a lot. They've been out a couple of times," Ogide said. "I like Southern Cal, too. They've been asking about me."

As the schools continue to evaluate, so is Ogide. He's listening carefully to the schools' pitches. When he hears the right one, he'll know it.

"I plan on signing late, after my senior season," Ogide said. "I don't want to sign late but I haven't seen anything yet that makes me want to commit."