Wright Commits to Pitt

Ohio State’s loss is the Wright fit for Pittsburgh.

Former Buckeye commit Cameron Wright visited Pittsburgh’s campus yesterday and decided to commit to the Panthers after a day of contemplation with his family.

“I just talked to Cam and he talked to coach [Jamie] Dixon and he did commit, about 8 p.m.,” said Rob Stircula, Wright’s coach at Benedictine (Oh.). “He said that they were totally excited, and I think they were hoping he would commit yesterday.”

“I found my home, so why wait,” Wright said in a text message Sunday night.

Stircula said Wright’s attitude and personality was completely different during his visit to Pittsburgh’s campus, as compared to his visits to other schools.

“I’ve been on all the visits with him, and I’ve never seen him like that,” Stircula said. “He usually had a poker face, played things really close to the vest, but yesterday he was open and excited. When we got into the car to go home, he said ‘It’s only an hour and 40 minutes from home?’ and I think that was huge.”

According to Stircula, the final decision came down to Pittsburgh and Wisconsin, with Cleveland State in the mix as the in-state school. He said that the difference in proximity between Pitt and Wisconsin, which is seven hours away, was the biggest factor.

“Last night we went out to dinner after the visit, and his family was still planning on visiting Wisconsin next weekend,” he said. “But today, they went to church, went out to breakfast, had some other family members over. And it just felt right – they didn’t want to go all the way to Wisconsin.”

The 6-5, 195-lb. Wright enjoyed his visit to Pittsburgh on Saturday, and immediately put the Panthers near the top of his list.

“I enjoyed myself a lot,” Wright said Saturday night after his visit. “I really liked it. The name brings you in, the Big East and everything. But when I got there, it was just unbelievable.

“The people, the coaching staff, they all seemed very real, and that’s what I enjoyed the most. I’m looking for a good relationship and a staff that’s going to be honest, and that’s the vibe I got.”

Stircula said the fact that Pittsburgh was in the Big East, as well as its reputation as a big-time basketball program and a good academic school, were other keys in Wright’s decision.

“Everything just fell into place,” Stircula said.

In addition to Pittsburgh, Wisconsin and Cleveland State, Wright had offers from Notre Dame, Ohio, Dayton, Akron, Indiana, Michigan State and Georgia Tech, with interest coming from UCLA and West Virginia.

Wright was impressive throughout the July evaluation period, and Stircula said that Wright has an opportunity to be a difference-maker in the Big East – both on and off the court, pointing to his 3.77 GPA in the classroom.

“He can make a big impact,” Stircula said. “He’s quick, very agile. He’s a tough defender; he will get in people’s faces. He’s going to be a complete player, with his competitiveness, he’s the total package.”

After a whirlwind recruitment that included a commitment and decommitment involving his dream school, Ohio State, Wright is happy that he can focus on his senior year and winning a state championship.

“It’s not really a relief it’s over, but a blessing,” said Wright.