Collier Picks Oregon State; Smith Likes Louisville (UPDATED)

Devon Collier, the 6-foot-8 forward from St. Anthony, has opted to play for Oregon State of the Pac-10.

“He called [head coach] Craig Robinson and committed,” said New Heights director Kimani Young. “That’s where he felt most comfortable.”

Collier, a Bronx native ranked No. 134 in the Class of 2010 and No. 25 among power forwards by Rivals, chose Oregon State over Big East schools St. John’s, Seton Hall and Providence.

“I think Devon really liked the players, the coaching staff and I think at the end of the day he wants to create his own legacy for himself,” Young said.

“He’s very comfortable with Craig Robinson,” added St. Anthony coach Bob Hurley. “He seemed very sure that it’s the right move for him and I feel good for him because he was very comfortable that he had made the right decision.”

Robinson and his staff flew East to watch Collier several times during open gyms and Collier then took an official to campus in mid-October.

“Oregon State would be my top [school] because the official visit was great,” Collier said last month. “Since I officially visited Oregon State, they’re on top. I have to visit the other schools. Then I’ll decide.”

Asked if he could imagine going there, he said. “I could imagine it. Just because the area itself is nice. They’re making me feel welcome.”

He added: “[Robinson] is a cool person. He’s fun to talk to. He has a  good sense of humor. He’s smart. It’s not because he’s the President’s brother-in-law. He’s a good person in general. The staff that’s around him, they’re good, too.”

Hurley said Collier liked Oregon State’s style of play, which emphasizes the play of the forwards.

“They play with the forwards handling the ball,” Hurley said. “If he works he can become a better shooter. They like him as a kid that can move in the zone, rebound, get deflections.”

SMITH LIKES LOUISVILLE

South Kent (Conn.) shooting guard Russ Smith says he plans on signing with Louisville during his Nov. 15 visit.

“I’m going to sign on my visit,” the 6-foot-2, 160-pound Smith said Friday. “We’re still working on everything officially but I did give coach Pitino my verbal.

“I liked his resume and everything overall, the program. It’s a big-time basketball program.”

Sources said Louisville has yet to officially offer him a scholarship, but the coaches want to sit down with him during the visit and explain what his role would be.

“[He] is going on his official visit to Louisville Nov. 15. Coach [Rick] Pitino and Coach [Ralph] Willard were out here a couple weeks ago and really liked him a lot,” South Kent coach coach Kelvin Jefferson said. “I think Russ wants to sign early and I’m sure Louisville’s at the top of his list.”

Smith dropped 27 points in the Jordan Brand Regional Game back in April at Madison Square Garden and was named co-MVP of that event.

He also holds offers from Houston and Baylor and may visit Baylor Nov. 23.

“Baylor wants him to come in on the 23rd,” Jefferson said.

MORGAN WITHDRAWS FROM SOUTH KENT

Seton Hall commit Jesse Morgan has withdrawn from South Kent (Conn.).

“Unfortunately, this was not the right situation for Jesse and I wish him luck at his next stop,” South Kent coach Kelvin Jefferson said.

PANKEY VISITING MARYLAND

Ashton Pankey, another 6-8 forward from St. Anthony, is currently visiting Maryland.

“He and his mom took the train down today and it wouldn’t surprise me if he really liked the visit, he might just take one more to compare apples to oranges,” Hurley said.

(Photo courtesy Daily News)

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