Meet the signee: Waverly Austin
Waverly Austin is a big man's big man who comes from a small town best known for two big Civil War battles.
A native of Fredericksburg, Va., Austin bounced around during his high school career following the death of his father. Through it all, he stayed focused on playing at the highest level in college and on his ultimate goal of getting to the NBA.
Austin originally was the second commitment in USF's 2010 class. He then headed off to junior college and reopened his recruitment. Although Kansas, Baylor, Miami, Florida, Maryland, and Missouri started showing various levels of interest, Austin had developed a good bond with the USF staff and eventuallu recommitted. The future Bull is optimistic that he can provide some of what USF needs.
"I love playing in transition," Austin said. "I run the floor good for my size."
Austin plans to arrive in Tampa on June 19.
"It's not official yet, but I may room with Jordan (Omogbehin) and Musa (Abdul-Aleem). We'll see," he said. "The coaches told me that they want me to come in and play my game, work hard and stay focused."
Name: Waverly Austin
Birthdate: 2/18/1990
Birthplace: Fredericksburg, Va.
Height: 6-foot-11
Weight: 270
Position: Center
Prep School: Palm Beach State C.C.
Last season's statistics: 15 points, 10 rebounds, 3 blocks per game
Rivals.com rankings: Rivals.com (JuCo Junction) - Three-star prospect, No. 3 player nationally.
Runner-up school: Kansas
Other schools considered: UNC, Miami, Missouri
Favorite pro basketball player: Tim Duncan & LaMarcus Aldridge
Favorite pro basketball team: Spurs
Favorite all-time Bull: Not sure
Favorite music: Wale, Rick Ross, Meek Mills
Favorite TV show: First Take & NBA TV
Favorite food: Chicken and Shrimp pasta
Favorite high school class: Gym
Favorite thing about Tampa: People in the city and being close to the beach.
Hobbies: Ping Pong, NBA 2k
Intended major: Undecided
Something that not many people know about you: I love playing of Gears of War 3 video game, I play online a lot and I'm really good at it.
Best basketball moment: Caught a pass at half court, took three dribbles, spun into the middle and dunked on two guys.
Role model: Older brother David Austin
Why USF: Best relationship with them from high school. I'm close with the players on the team. Also, my mom moved to Jacksonville so she can come to games. I felt it was the best decision for me.