Charles LeClaire-US PRESSWIRE
Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon picked up his second verbal commitment from the class of 2013 on Wednesday evening, as guard Josh Newkirk announced his decision.
Newkirk, who stands at 6-foot-2, joins Mike Young among the Panthers’ commitments for next season.
The decision was announced by Newkirk himself after he tweeted earlier in the day that he would.
A native of Raleigh, North Carolina, Newkirk is currently preparing for his senior season at Word of God Christian Academy (NC). Newkirk visited the Pittsburgh campus over the weekend, pledging just three days after returning from the Steel City.
The offers were aplenty for Newkirk during his recruitment, but he ultimately choose the Panthers over the likes of Memphis, Georgia Tech, and Missouri, among others.
While Pittsburgh is out of scholarships for the 2013-14 season for the time being, incoming freshman Steven Adams does have the potential to a one-and-done performer. The big man and New Zealand-native is considered by many as a lottery selection in next year’s NBA Draft, despite having yet to play a game for the Panthers.
This will likely lead to Dixon’s continued pursuit of some of their notable targets, including 2013 center, BeeJay Anya. Newkirk was joined on campus this past weekend by both Anya and Young, taking in the Panthers upset victory over Virginia Tech.
Rivals ranks Newkirk at No. 119 with their national 150 rankings. The guard ran with D-One Sports during his time on the AAU circuit.
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