X marks the spot for Love

Surrounded by three Atlantic 10 schools in Philadelphia, Jason Love always had an idea he'd be playing his college basketball in the hoops crazy conference. But he won't be playing ball in the Philly area next year. The 6-foot-8, 250-pound center from Abington Friends High School took an official visit to a conference power and pledged his services on the visit.

LaSalle, Temple and St. Joe's didn't land one of the city's top big men. Instead, Love is headed to Ohio. While on a trip to Xavier University, Love pledged his services to the Musketeers.

"I just felt like that is where I needed to be. Going up there helped me realize that even more," Love said. "They accepted me right in. All of the guys were there and they were all really cool. I hung out with Drew Lavender and Derrick Brown. They were my hosts. They showed me around and made me feel at home.

"I watched the big guys work out when I was there. Coach wanted me to see what they can do for me in terms of developing me. Plus I think I can help them right away. They are losing two guys inside to graduation. I think I can come right in and help."

The Musketeers are no strangers to March Madness. Love hopes to keep them there.

"I was actually talking to Drew about that. They are always NCAA-bound but I think we can keep Xavier going strong and a top the A10," Love said.

Love picked the X-men over interest from LaSalle, Virginia, Providence and Penn State. He is the first player to commit to Sean Miller in the class of 2006.