Plenty of attention for Heron

Top 25 junior guard Mustapha Heron initially ended his recruitment back in early January of 2014 when he committed to Pittsburgh. Last month, he backed off that pledge and now he's weighing his options.

The No. 22 player in the junior class, Heron is a well-built, 6-foot-5 guard who attends Waterbury (Conn.) Sacred Heart. He says that he opened things up because he felt he needed to see what other programs might fit him before locking into a school. This time around, he's going to give heavy consideration to a few factors.

"Everything goes into play," Heron told Rivals.com. "Academics, of course, would be the first thing that goes on. How much a coach can get me better on and off the floor? How much I can develop as a player and person, and grow in a program? Everything plays a role."

Strong and tough, Heron is easily one of the most physical players in the class of 2016. He throws around his body, bounces off defenders to score at the rim and makes enough jumpers to keep people honest. It's no surprise that his favorite player is Houston Rockets star James Harden. It's also no surprise that college coaches like Heron's versatility.

"They see me as somebody who can play one, two and three," Heron said. "Somebody who can defend and who is versatile, somebody who goes after guys hard on both ends of the floor."

Make no mistake, though, Heron is more than just a physical player. He has a good skill level and works hard in the gym.

"My jump-shooting, my ball-handing and my defense are the three things that have really improved," Heron said. "My rebounding will be the next thing that will improve."

Since backing away from his commitment to Pitt in April, Heron's phone has been burning up. He's heard from Kansas, Kentucky, UCLA, Cincinnati, Texas, Connecticut, Maryland and St. John's among others.

"Sometime in the next few weeks I think we'll look to cut things down and maybe set some visits," he said. "As far as a decision goes, it will probably be before my senior season."

Heron says that Pitt is very much under consideration. Also, he has heard the rumblings that many consider St. John's the team to beat because of the relationship between his father and Red Storm assistant Barry Rohrssen. Heron's father played professionally overseas with Rohrssen and Rohrssen was on staff at Pitt when Heron made his initial commitment.

"As of right now it is people making assumptions," Heron said. "Of course the relationship plays a big role in it. But I have to go somewhere that is best for me. It might be the best fit, it might not be the best fit for me. I just have to weigh things out."

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