By ADAM ZAGORIA
NEW HAVEN, Conn. — Mickey Pearson, the 6-foot-8, 190-pound forward from Hargrave Military Academy (VA), is eyeing a spring signing to end his recruitment.
The onetime Saint Louis University commit is now evaluating his options and says Providence, Rutgers, Virginia, Pittsburgh and N.C. State are among those involved. Rutgers assistant Karl Hobbs was among those watching Pearson on Saturday at the National Prep Showcase.
“Rutgers is the only one I’ve visited so far,” he said after going for 14 points on 3-of-14 shooting and 3 rebounds in a 103-82 loss to New Hampton. “They said they don’t have anyone like me and that when I come, my potential to play would be good because they don’t have anyone like me.”
Pearson said he is working on dates to visit the other schools and will decide “Just whenever I feel comfortable . I feel like when I visit and talk to the coaches, I feel like I’ll be able to make a decision right away.”
“I think he wants to play out the year and kind of see what happens,” Hargrave coach Lee Martin said.
Pearson averaged 25.5 points and 11.0 rebounds last season at John Hardin (Ky.) but then opted to do a postgraduate year at Hargrave.
“I think his ceiling is extremely high, to be honest with you,” Martin said. “I think he can handle it, pass it, shoot it at a big nice 6-7, 6-8 frame is special.”
When he does pick a school, he wants to be an all-around player.
“Just in college, a guy that can do it all. I can guard multiple positions, 1-4, 1-5. On offense, I feel like I can do it all. Shoot the ball, handle it, get to the rim.”
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