Rakeem Christmas has cut his list to five schools from eight.
Florida International, Florida, Georgetown, Oklahoma and Texas are still in the running for the No. 1 center and No. 4 overall prospect in the Class of 2011.
Baylor, Villanova, Indiana and Ohio State were cut from the old list, and Florida International, coached by Isiah Thomas, was added.
“Since our last announcement, certain schools have made a valiant effort regarding Rakeem’s recruitment. Stronger bonds have been established with a few programs and their staff. Our current list reflects that,” said Amira Hamid, Christmas’ aunt and legal guardian. “Once we know it’s right for Rakeem and once he feels 100 percent confident about the situation, everyone else will know. This process has been lengthy but we are in no rush to meet a timeline. We’re pleased with the current schools we are considering and looking forward to watching them play this season.”
The 6-foot-9 Christmas transferred to the Academy of the New Church from Philly Northeast Catholic.
“I’m happy to work with a smaller group of schools going into the season,” he said. “I’ve been so busy with maintaining my grades and practicing with the team, that I think this will help me focus with having to deal with less pressure during the season. My transition at ANC has been great. I’m enjoying my classmates, teachers, and teammates. Coach [Kevin] Givens has been great with the workouts. I’m just ready for the season to start.”
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