Jeff Capel’s search for size to add to his front court has taken him to a few different names including a big man from Texas.
One of those players is Nigel John, a 2019 3-star center from Weatherford, Texas. John was previously committed to Washington State until they fired head coach Ernie Kent and now he’s back on the market.
“Pitt’s communication with me has been pretty recent, like four days ago,” John tells Pittsburgh Sports Now. “Coach Capel told me that they’ve looked at some of my film and like what he saw and that’s why he contacted me. So, we’ve stayed in touch since then. Making a visit hasn’t been something that’s been talked about yet but I’m supposed to be talking to them again pretty soon but I definitely do want to get up there.”
John is a new name to the Pitt recruiting scene so I asked him to give a description of himself on the court.
“I think I’m a very versatile player,” said John. “I can run the floor and I’m very fast for my size (6’9″, 260). I can play in the post and that’s something I’ve been taught how to do since day one. I haven’t been playing basketball for super long (three years) but I believe I’ve really caught onto to the game because of a lot of hard work put into this. Along with playing in the post, I can also shoot off the dribble and shoot outside a little bit. Right now, I’m working a lot on taking shots off the dribble but I’m really comfortable playing with my back to the basket and believe that’s my strong suit.”
“I only start playing the game three years ago. My coach, Mark Golden, took me in and really mentored me. He not only took me in not only as a basketball player but kind of like his son. He’s been really good to me.”
Considering the fact that basketball is fairly new to him, John looks at it as a big deal that he’s getting looked at my a program like Pitt.
“I was definitely happy when I heard about their interest,” said John. “The biggest thing with me is I want to go to a place where I’m wanted and I want to have a really good relationship with the coaching staff. Those are the two biggest things for me.”
Mr Vukovcan,I didn’t feel comfortable with Kladim At committing to Pitt,but when a door closes, another one opens.I feel that this recruit will join our team. I also wouldn’t be surprised if he commits before he makes a visit to Pitt. Everything that he says that he is looking for is here at Pitt,plus he will be playing for a great coach. Our search for a big may be over.
I was wrong about Sy so what does my opinion mean, LOL….But I agree with you, depending on how many big men Jeff takes, John could be part of the mix.
So what happened to the 6’9″ center that verbally committed to Pitt? He did not sign. Another recruiting disappointment?
Just spoke with someone from his school today and there’s no problem. According to them, “100%, he’s signing and will do so soon.”
Seems very raw… I hope he can help next year.
I’d like to add him if they can add another center too. Is definitely raw, has only played 3 years, but I feel he has definite potential.