Petersons recruitment heating up

After a monster performance at the National Prep Showcase, unsigned senior Jamine Peterson has a number of schools showing increased interest. And it is not just Big East schools who are hoping that Peterson, a Brooklyn native now at Notre Dame Prep (Mass.), gets his academics in order.

"Things have picked up recently," said Notre Dame Prep head coach Bill Barton about the recruitment of his 6-foot-6, 210-pound forward. "Kansas has watched him and is coming back this week. Cincinnati has been calling and will come up next Wednesday for the South Kent game. Maryland called for the first time yesterday. And Providence and St. John's have been there from day one."

The athletic Peterson is in the process of developing into a small forward, and his limitations as a perimeter player have been well documented. Coach Barton, however, feels that whether or not Jamine becomes a skilled perimeter player, he is still a high-major double/double threat.

"He is coming along as a perimeter player, but he is not where he needs to be to be a consistent perimeter threat," said Barton. "Nonetheless, any Big East school that runs is missing the boat if they're not coming after him.

"I can see where a high-level Big East team might want him to shoot it better, but what mid-level team wouldn't want a guy that is going to get them a double/double every night. Personally, I think he can play anywhere."

More so than where he would fit into a college system of play, the bigger question with Peterson is if he will qualify academically.

"That is the reason he is hear," said Barton about Peterson's academic situation. "It's too early to tell right now, but he is making good progress."

Peterson, the No. 115 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, averaged 28.5 points and 8.5 rebounds per game at the National Prep Showcase.

Jamine Peterson scouting report:

A jumping jack with a top notch motor, Peterson specializes in tracking down the ball and attacking the rim. Despite being undersized, he can dominate in the paint. Peterson does have limited range and perimeter skills, but he is still a high-major prospect as an undersized interior player.