Powell ready to decide

After working his list down to three schools and taking visits, five-star post prospect Dwight Powell, originally from Canada, is on the verge of making his pick.

"This weekend I'm going to make a decision," said Powell, a 6-foot-9, 215-pound power forward at Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy. "My mom is coming down, and we are going to share our own opinions and do some pros and cons. In the end it is a business decision for us, and I have to do what is best for me."

The context of this decision involves three exceptional options as far as getting the best in both basketball and academics. It is down to Georgia Tech, Harvard and Stanford.

"I'm in a situation where all three schools excel at both basketball and academics," said Powell.

A versatile athlete with length, Powell is a late bloomer who is just reaching his stride. Freedom to develop his game will be an integral factor in his decision.

"How I'm going to play and how the coach is going to use me is big," he said. "The amount of freedom I have in my play is important."

All three schools, though, have made positive impressions on Powell.

"Georgia Tech produces pros, and the city of Atlanta is a great city with lots of opportunity," he commented.

"Harvard is a great academic opportunity, and I got a really good feel on my visit as far as meshing with the players and the coaches.

"Stanford was also a really good fit with the coaches and players, and the school has so many resources as far as basketball and academics are concerned."

The No. 23 ranked prospect in the Rivals150, Powell took his game to another level in July. Always an energetic athlete who made hustle plays, he began to assert himself on the offensive end with athletic assaults on the rim and a developing touch from the midrange.