Plenty has been written about what happened during the recruiting process of Terrence Roberts (right), the 6-8 forward from St. Anthony's High School in Jersey City, New Jersey. Some of it is confusing on how the eventual decision came about. But what is certain is that Syracuse University will be signing a very talented forward in the 2003 class.

"Syracuse is one of the best programs in the country," Roberts said. "Coach (Jim) Boeheim is one of the best coaches. I can learn a lot from him. I liked everything about Syracuse when I took my visit up there. So I am looking forward to playing for them next year."

Roberts addressed some of these issues in our discussion after he selected Syracuse over Virginia yesterday at a press conference. "Syracuse led for most of my recruiting process," Roberts said. "I took a visit to Maryland. I had a good time. I thought I had more time to make a decision. I wanted to see Syracuse practice one more time before I made my final choice."

But Maryland backed away from Roberts and took Ekene Ibekwe. "It was between Syracuse, Maryland and Virginia at that time," Roberts said. "But I am very happy to be going to Syracuse. I like the coaches a lot. It's a great place to play college basketball. It's in the Big East plus I am going to play with some great players."

Roberts' play in the IS8 league ended yesterday. His team, the Playaz, lost to the Panthers. Roberts scored 10 points in a losing effort. But his play with his high school team is what helped earn him his reputation as one of the best in the 2003 class.

"I am probably going to play more power forward at first when I get to Syracuse," said Roberts, who does have a nice touch on his medium range jumper. "I just have to work hard and earn some time. That's what I plan on doing."

Roberts is a player who can get up and down the court. Terrence does have a very aggressive side to when he has the ball in the low post or is running the court in transition. It's because he has shown glimpses of being able to drain the jumper and also move smartly along the baseline for drives to the basket that has most Syracuse fans excited about his recent commitment.

What makes Roberts an even more attractive recruit is he plays for perhaps the best high school coach in the country in Bobby Hurley, Sr. You don't leave St. Anthony's High School in New Jersey until you learn how to play defense and learn the fundamentals of the game. Hurley is one of the best in the business in teaching these skills. So you can be sure that when Roberts graduates next spring, he will be as prepared to play high division one college basketball.