UNLV keeps Zimmerman home

A few weeks ago at the McDonald's All American game, it was apparent when talking to five-star senior center Stephen Zimmerman that the recruiting process was taking a toll on him. Thursday night, he abruptly ended things with a commitment to UNLV.

Throughout the process the Rebels had been considered a very serious threat to keep the 6-foot-11 center from Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman home, but his commitment on Thursday night via twitter was surprisingly timed and seemed to come out of the blue.

"Thanks to all the programs & fans that supported me," tweeted Zimmerman. "This is my decision & I've decided to stay home & attend UNLV."

The commitment was also confirmed to Rivals.com by Zimmerman's mother, Lori Stevens.

No stranger to the spotlight, Zimmerman first burst onto the scene during the fall of his eighth grade year playing in a Pangos exposure event in Las Vegas. Currently ranked No. 11 in the 2015 Rivals150, Zimmerman has used his skill and ability to run to remain near the top of the rankings heap.

A fluid athlete who moves as well laterally as he does getting up and down the court, Zimmerman is a very good shooter and as good a passing big man as there is in America, regardless of class.

Rebels coach Dave Rice has hauled in several highly regarded players during his tenure at his alma mater. Zimmerman -- who was coached in high school by Rice's brother Grant -- is the fourth five-star prospect to pick UNLV since Rice took over in April of 2011 while seven four-star prospects have selected the Rebels during that time frame.

In 2015, Zimmerman joins a class that includes four-star point guard Jalen Poyser and top 50 small forward Derrick Jones. The Rebels are still looking to add pieces and will have transferring Washington point guard Nigel Williams Goss and Mercer transfer Ike Nwamu on campus for official visits Friday.