As first reported on my Twitter, Jamir Hanner, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound forward from Newark (N.J.) Nia Prep, has verbally committed to Seton Hall.
A Philadelphia native, Hanner joins 6-8 Eugene McCrory of Kamit Institute for Magnificent Achievers in Washington, D.C. and 6-6 Fuquan Edwin of Paterson Catholic in Seton Hall’s 2010 recruiting haul.
Hanner and McCrory have yet to sign, but can do so in April.
“I just committed two hours ago. I just like the atmosphere of the campus. I like the coaching staff as well as their style of play,” Hanner said by text.
Alif Muhammad, head of the NIA School, said Hanner is averaging 18 points and 13 rebounds per game and had interest from Iowa State, Texas, Oregon State, Minnesota, Boston College, Western Illinois, Cleveland State, Utah State, Rider, St. Peter’s, Norfolk State, Charlotte, and Coppin. He was named to the All-Tournament team at the National Prep Invitational in Rhode Island.
Hanner, who was recruited by Seton Hall assistant Scott Adubato, said he is due to take the SAT March 13.
“Jamir Hanner will be an exciting player for Seton Hall,” NIA Prep coach Rudy King said. “As a former high school coach from New York City, I always compare players to what I’ve experienced and if he was a prospect in New York he would have been an All-America candidate. He has the potential to play the 3 and 4 positions and rebounds with the best of them. He finishes strong above the rim with either hand and runs the floor like a deer. He has great touch for a prep school forward/center and will be a force to reckon with in the Big East.
“What I admire most about Hanner is that he is coachable, plays team basketball and hates losing and took advantage of the prep opportunity the way it was originally designed. I’m happy for Jamir and his family.”
Seton Hall loses fifth-year center John Garcia after this year and 6-11 big man Melvyn Oliver may never suit up. So Seton Hall is attempting to shore up its frontcourt by adding a number of power forwards.
The Pirates are also involved with 6-8 forward Moses Abraham of Temple Hills (Md.) Progressive Christian, who visits Thursday. Moses is visiting Georgetown Tuesday and Maryland Wednesday for the Duke game. He may or may not attend the Seton Hall-Rutgers game Thursday at the RAC.
(Photo courtesy NJHoops.com)
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