by Alex Schwartz

Newly named Wagner Head Coach Danny Hurley picked up two commitments on Monday, while Jamie Dixon landed his second pledge in Pitt's class of 2011 over the weekend. Latif Rivers '10 of Avon Old Farms (CT) committed to Wagner according to reports, as did Orlando Parker of Orlando Christian Prep (FL), per ZagsBlog. Jaylen Bond '11 of Plymouth-Whitemarsh (PA) popped to the Panthers.

Latif Rivers, who is in a post-graduate year after graduating from Elizabeth (NJ), said that he also considered Illinois State, Northeastern, and Central Connecticut State. The talented combo guard explained how he decided on the NEC program.

"The opportunity to play under the tutelage of the superior coaching staff is the biggest reason why I chose to sign with them. I know the coaching staff has a lot of experience as well as a lot of respect throughout the basketball world. Coach Danny Hurley does a great job at developing players and helping them get better," said Rivers. "Coach Bobby Hurley has played at the highest level of basketball and has a lot of knowledge of the game that he can teach me about the point guard position. I'm excited to have the opportunity to play for a coaching staff of their caliber and I have confidence they'll be bring talent and coach Wagner to success."

The previous Wagner staff was involved involved in Rivers' recruitment, so this came about relatively quickly, as Hurley was hired this month. "Wagner just recently got involved since Coach Hurley took over," Rivers said.

Asked what he is most excited for about college, Rivers responded, "Just progressing in my education, being in a college atmosphere, and getting the full college experience, and playing Division I basketball."

While Rivers plans on enjoying college, he also has some goals that he would like to accomplish while there. "Just to come in and work as hard as I can, learn as much as possible from our great coaching staff and hopefully help lead Wagner to a conference championship as well as the NCAA Tournament."

Rivers will be playing at the collegiate level next year, but newly-minted Pitt-pledge Jaylen Bond still has one more year of high school. The 6'7 power forward recently took his name off the board, joining John Johnson of Girard College (PA) in Pitt's 2011 recruiting class.

"After I went on a visit I was confident that I wanted to go there. I like all the coaching staff and felt comfortable there and I knew that's where I wanted to go," said Bond on how he picked the Big East program. West Virginia and Temple were the other schools that he considered, both of which he visited.

"I knew that's where I wanted to go and there wasn't a reason to what," replied Bond when asked how he knew the time was right.

Bond said that Johson is a "real close friend" and that the 6'1 combo guard did recruit him "a little" to join him in the Steel City. Bond also knows one of Pitt's class of 2010 signees, 6'1 point guard Isaiah Epps of Hargrave Military Academy (VA). Epps, currently ranked #86 in Northstar Basketball's Class of 2010 Terrific 125 , attended Plainfield (NJ) for his first three years of high school. "I know Isaiah, I played AAU with him. We are close," said Bond, who added that Epps "talked to me a little" about coming to Pitt.

"My goals are to get better overall, and win another state chip, and get player of the year," said Bond of what he would like to achieve in his senior season of high school. Bond said he "felt accomplished" when Plymouth-Whitemarsh won the PIAA Class AAAA state championship this past season. The Colonials went 30-2 and finished ranked number two in my Pennsylvania Postseason High School Fantastic 40 and number 19 in my Final National High School Top 25.

There have also been a number of other commitments over the past few days. Here is a rundown of some of them, according to various media outlets, including Scout, ZagsBlog, and Box Of Mess:

- Cory Joseph '10 of Findlay Prep (NV) is headed to Texas. I will have an article on Joseph's commitment soon, likely later today.

- Sterling Gibbs '11 of Seton Hall Prep (NJ) picked Maryland. I will post an article on Gibbs' decision in the near future, most likely this evening.

- Depending on the source, Terrence Ross '10 of Jefferson (OR) has either committed to Washington or will be doing so shortly.

- Gorgui Sy Dieng '10 of Huntington Prep (WV) committed to Louisville. He is the second player from Huntington Prep to select Louisville, with Justin Coleman '10 being the other.

- Gary Bell, Jr. '11 of Kentridge (WA) has opted to attend Gonzaga in two years.

- Pat Swilling, Jr. '10 of Brother Martin (LA) is going to attend St. Joseph's. He is the second 2010 player from the Bayou State to pick St. Joseph's, joining Langston Galloway of Christian Life Academy (LA).

- James Siakam '10 of Brehm Prep (IL) popped to Vanderbilt, while his high school teammate Otto Osenieks '10 chose Minnesota.

Note- photo on the left is of Latif Rivers and is from http://www.newenglandrecruitingreport.com/; photo on the right is of Jaylen Bond and is from http://www.maxpreps.com/national/national.htm