by Alex Schwartz

The commitments have come in quickly since the weekend. As Northstar Basketball reported, Boston University picked up three pledges on Monday. In addition, Jesse Morgan '10 of South Kent (CT) popped to Seton Hall and De'Mon Brooks '10 from Hopewell (NC) chose Howard. Then, today, Devonta White '10 of Centennial (GA) committed to Georgia State and Michael Bradley '10 of Tyner Academy (TN) picked UConn. I had an opportunity to catch up with Morgan and White on Tuesday, as well as gather some information on Brooks' decision. Check it out:

"Basically, just because it's close to [my] home [in Philadelphia] and my family can go to the games. The coaches made me feel comfortable on my visit and . . . the chance to play as a freshman," said Jesse Morgan on how he picked Seton Hall. The 6'5 guard also considered Louisville, UConn, Rutgers, Rhode Island, La Salle, and Temple. Morgan, who is doing a post-grad year at South Kent, saw his stock increase this summer. How did he decide between the high-major and mid-major schools? "It was just basically where I would fit. The Big East is a great conference [and] . . . I wanted to play in the Big East, I knew that."

Morgan, who was recruited to SHU by Head Coach Bobby Gonzalez and Assistant Coach Dermon Player, describes himself as "a player that likes to shoot the ball and get to the basket." Jesse is the second member of the Pirates' class of 2010, along with Fuquan Edwin of Paterson Catholic (NJ), who is ranked #125 in Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010 Terrific 125. The two of them are part of the talent influx of talented headed to play in South Orange. Morgan feels that the Pirates can do some great things. "I think we can accomplish a lot. . . . If the players play within themselves, I think we can actually compete in the Big East at a high level . . . and go to the NCAA Tournament."

Asked how things are going at South Kent, Morgan replied, "South Kent, it's great. [I am] getting my academics in line, working on my game, [and] game stronger." The skilled scorer opted to do a PG year because he "just didn't feel ready yet to play college ball." Now that Jesse has decided where he will play at the next level, will he be recruiting other SHU targets such as Kyrie Irving '10, Devon Collier '10, and Julian Washburn '10 to join him? "It doesn't matter. If I can help [I will]. I'd like to play with Kyrie Irving [and as for] . . . Devon Collier, I played with him at Reebok [All-American] Camp [this summer]. . . . If I can do anything to get them to come [then I will]."

De'Mon Brooks had an outstanding showing at Hoop Group Elite Camp Session I this summer. The big man was rated as the #15 player in camp by Northstar Basketball and was selected to the Senior All-Star Game. At that point, the Tar Heel State player did not list Howard as a school recruiting him, but it seems the Bison came on strong, and secured a verbal commitment from him, according to a source close to the situation. This pledge, which was broken by Northstar Basketball via Twitter, is big for the MEAC school.

Brooks chose Howard over nearly 30 other DI offers, including seven programs that he visited after the conclusion of the July Live Evaluation period. Northeastern and Colgate were the other two programs that got official visits from De'Mon, while High Point, Appalachian State, Davidson, College of Charleston, and Winthrop hosted him on unofficial visits. Before he ultimately decided on Howard, Brooks' other finalists were Winthrop and Colgate.

Devonta White opted to stay in-state and attend Georgia State for his college ball. How did he come to that decision? "They were the school recruiting me the hardest/longest. I had a great time on my visit, it's close to home, I will have the opportunity to play, and the school itself is one of the top business schools in the nation and that is what I plan on majoring in [when I get to] college." The guard also considered Appalachian State and UNC-Greensboro before taking his name off the board.

"Good. It makes me feel a little more relaxed," stated White on how it feels to have the decision behind him. Asked who he would compare his game to and what he feels he brings to the table for the CAA school, he replied, "I'm not sure who I compare my game to. I sometimes hear that I play like Chris Paul, so that's a compliment, but I think I will bring leadership and be a floor general."

Note- photo on the left is of Morgan and photo on the right is of Brooks; both are from http://scouthoops.scout.com/