Imhotep's Austin commits to Providence

ROUND TWO of the Brandon Austin Sweepstakes has been completed and the winner is . . . Providence.

Austin, a 6-7, 175-pound senior point guard at Imhotep Charter, Monday made an oral commitment to the Friars while adding that he intends to sign a letter of intent by the end of the early signing period this Wednesday.

Austin committed to Penn State last February, then put himself back on the market in July.

"I'm really happy for Brandon and his family," said Imhotep coach Andre Noble. "This has been a long process. Providence is getting a winner."

Austin said his decision came down to Providence and Connecticut, though an official visit also was made to Texas.

"Providence was my first visit," he said. "I can't say I did that because they were the favorite going in. The order just worked out that way.

"I liked Providence and UConn a lot. I was going back and forth. One day I might like Providence. Next day I might like UConn. Providence won out because of playing time; my positioning in their system. I really like coach [Ed] Cooley and his staff. I like the trust and belief they have in me. Also, [some players] were telling me I could go up there and be part of the best backcourt in the nation."