Wallace wants Big East

The recruitment of Austin Wallace has been a bit of a roller coaster ride over the past couple of months. Going from a mid-major prospect, to a prep school possibility, and finally to a legit high major target, Wallace ended the suspense this weekend, choosing to play his college ball next season in the Big East.

"I committed to Pittsburgh last night," Wallace told Rivals.com. "I'm very excited. I took my visit there, and everything was great. It's a big load off my shoulders, and I don't have to worry about whether a scholarship is going to be available or anything like that. Now I can just get ready, get stronger, and focus on school."

Wallace, a 6-foot-9 215 lbs. PF from LaSalle HS in New York City, put his name on the map this summer at the Reebok ABCD Camp, showing the ability to consistently score around the basket. He also put his toughness on display, defending the paint and rebounding well enough to finish among the Top 10 seniors in camp.

He said that he committed to Pittsburgh because he knew many current Panthers and felt comfortable with the coaching staff. He also considered Florida Atlantic, but distance from home and the chance to play in the Big East were two of the deciding factors.

"It was tough to call coach Doherty and tell him the news," Wallace said. "It was a great situation in both places, but I knew guys like Ronald Ramon, and Levance Fields, and it just felt comfortable. Plus they are closer to home and playing in the Big East, they play lots of games in New York and New Jersey."

Wallace said that he decided after the summer that he didn't need prep school.

"I had a good summer, and I'm a bright kid," he said. "I feel like I'm ready for college now. Pittsburgh is a great academic school and they have a great sports medicine program."

Wallace is a great student with over 1200 on the old SAT. He averaged 17 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 blocks per game last season in high school.

Wallace joins Gilbert Brown as Pitt's second commitment from the Class of 2006.