Class of 2013 combo guard Brandon Austin has decommitted from Penn State but is still considering the Nittany Lions, Imhotep Charter coach Andre Noble confirmed Sunday.
The No. 123 player in the country according to Rivals, Austin committed to Penn State and head coach Patrick Chambers in early February. Noble said the 6-foot-6 rising senior felt it was in his best interest to reevaluate all options and make an appropriate decision in the coming months. He didn't specify any timetable for a decision.
"Penn State is still something that he's very interested in," Noble, who talked to Austin Saturday night, said. "But his family is going to take a step back and make sure it's the right decision."
Austin was considered the first big recruiting 'get' by Chambers, who is entering his second year as head coach. Upon taking over for now-Navy coach Ed Dechellis after two seasons at Boston University, Chambers said Philadelphia would start to become a recruiting pipeline for his staff and Austin's commitment was believed to be the beginning of that. Rated three-star by Rivals and four-star by Scout.com and ESPN, Austin reportedly holds offers from Tennessee, Miami, Syracuse, Temple, Georgetown, Villanova and Rutgers.
Austin helped lead Imhotep Charter to its second consecutive PIAA class AA state title at the Bryce Jordan Center in March. In the final, a 56-54 overtime win over Beaver Falls, Austin scored 13 points and grabbed 13 boards.
Shaler Area High School guard Geno Thorpe, No. 140 in the nation according to Rivals, is now Penn State’s only commit in the class of 2013.
