by Alex Schwartz

Boston University continues to dip into Philadelphia for recruits. New BU Head Coach Pat Chambers is utilizing his Philly roots—he is a former high coach at Episcopal Academy (PA) and was most recently coaching at Villanova, where he was the associate head coach for the team's Final Four run—to fill the Terriers' class of 2010, which is now five players deep. Earlier today a trio of teammates at Friends Central (PA) pledged to Boston University. According to a source close to the situation, 6'5 wing Travis Robinson '10, 6'6 power forward Dominic Morris '10, and 5'9 point guard HJ Gaskins '10 all committed to BU. I had the opportunity to catch up with Robinson and Gaskins to discuss their decisions.

Both Travis and HJ had similar reasons for picking the America East school. "Well, first I loved the coaching staff before I took my official [visit]. Then the visit just sealed it for me. I loved the team and the facilities, and most of all, BU is a great academic school and can attend with two of my current teammates who are pretty much my brothers," stated Robinson. What did Gaskins have to say? "From day one I fell in love with BU's coaching staff and their mission. Not only did I feel comfortable with them, but also when I got to know the team, I felt like they were family as well. I loved BU's city location and its facilities. I knew the academic rigor that came with a BU degree. And Trav and Do, who have been my brothers for the last seven years, felt like we should carry on our dream of playing together, and as the cliché saying goes; if it isn't broken, don't fix it."

On the topic of going to school together, Robinson said, "It was always a possibility, but we never thought it would actually happen. So it was crazy and special that we got the opportunity." He added, "We decided all together." Asked how close the three are, Gaskins responded, "Trav, Dom, and I are family. There is no question about that. It's beyond basketball. It just so happens we're brothers both on and off the court."

Along with that trio, Anthony Mayo '10 of Roman Catholic (PA) and Mike Terry '10 of North Catholic (PA) are also bound for BU. I inquired of Travis what it will be like to be play with not only HJ and Dominic, but fellow City of Brotherly Love ballers Mayo and Terry. "It's going to be special. [The three of us have] made history playing together at Friends Central and we plan to help do it at BU, and with the other two Philly guys, I just think it can be that much more special."

Prior to selecting Boston University, Gaskins said that "the other final school it came down to was Harvard," while Robinson stated that "just Robert Morris" was in contention at the end. Travis is happy to be done with his recruitment, telling me, "It feels great. I'm just relieved that the process is done."

The newest Terriers will team with sophomore sensation Amile Jefferson and Devin Coleman '11 at Friends Central for a team that participated in the inaugural ESPN National High School Invitational last year and was ranked #4 in the state of Pennsylvania by Northstar Basketball to end the season and returns almost all of its key players. What does Coleman feel the squad can accomplish in 09-10? "Well, first to win the Friends League and have . . . more success than we did last year." Gaskins went a bit further, commenting, "Anything and everything. Last year was our building year and that turned out to be unbelievable. There's no doubt in my mind that we aren't the best. There is no finish line for us." The point guard already has some goals for the next level too. "We are hoping to instill some foundation there as well. Along with the players that are already there, and the coaching staff, us having the common goal to be family and push each other because we know our potential is unlimited and will pay off successfully." Gaskins finished by stating, "We will be the Gonzaga of the East Coast."

Once again, Freinds Central teammates Travis Robinson, Dominic Morris, and HJ Gaskins have committed to Boston University.

Note- photo is of Travis Robinson and is from http://scouthoops.scout.com/