10-20-2005, 03:26 PM
Northside's Perry Stevenson is taking his shot-blocking ability to the SEC.
Stevenson gave his verbal commitment to Kentucky coach Tubby Smith Wednesday after Smith followed up Stevenson's visit to the Lexington campus with a visit to Lafayette.
The 6-9, 190-pounder visited Kentucky this past weekend, and fell in love with the players and coaches. Stevenson was in Lexington for their Big Blue Midnight Madness festivities, an annual event that kicks off the Wildcats' college season.
"Going to the midnight madness just capped it off," Stevenson said. "It wasn't what made me make up my mind. They have a good coaching staff and all the academic advisors were real good.
"I just felt very comfortable with the coaches, the players, everything. I went with my heart, and I hear that's the best way to make a decision this big."
Stevenson has already visited Texas Tech and was scheduled to visit Texas on October 28. LSU, Wake Forest and Georgia Tech were also on Stevenson's list.
"He had a difficult decision, a lot of great coaches wanting him to be a part of their program," Northside coach Rick LeBato said. "He came back from Kentucky on Sunday and he really wanted to sign on Monday. I told him, 'You're still on bluegrass high, let's sleep on it.'
"I think it's just a real honor for him to be having to make this kind of decision. Where he came from his freshman year, it's been a lot of hard work to get Kentucky, a guy like Bobby Knight to recruit you, Texas, LSU ... we were hoping that one day it would be just a possibility for him to be recruited. To have the best programs in the nation come to you, that's just special."
Stevenson is rated as the 59th best prospect for the Class of 2006 as well as the 15th best power forward in the nation.
"I was surprised, I didn't think he would commit this early," prep basketball analyst Dave Thibodeaux said. "After talking to (Northside coach Rick) LeBato Sunday, I thought it would be Texas Tech or Kentucky. He loved his visit to Texas Tech, but it sounds like he loved his visit to Kentucky more."
Now, Stevenson can get back to the task at hand - helping Northside achieve their goal of winning a Class 4A state title.
"I wouldn't say it was important to make my decision early, but now that I have, I'm relieved," Stevenson said. "I feel real good, it's like the weight of the world is off my shoulders. I know where I'm going to college. That's a good feeling."
Stevenson's mother, Renee, left the decision up to her son, saying she'd follow him no matter where he goes.
"She's happy with the choice," Stevenson said. "She left it up to me. She's a nurse and she has no problem moving anywhere. She's planning on going back to school to advance her nursing career.
"I don't know if she'll end up at UK. I made a joke about it earlier that we could end up going to college together, then I was like, 'Nah, I don't think so.' But seriously, I think it would be nice."
