For the second time in two days, a former Southern Methodist University 7-footer has found a new home.
One day after Blaise Mbargorba committed to Boston University, Brooklyn’s Jordan Dickerson pledged to Penn State, as first reported by SNY.tv.
“I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the coaches, the visit was real good,” the 7-foot, 240-pound Dickerson, who turns 20 Sunday, told SNY.tv following his visit to Happy Valley on Wednesday and Thursday. “I really appreciate the support that I got from them.”
Dickerson said he also considered Hofstra and Minnesota, among others.
“I took a look over by Hofstra real quick,” said Dickerson, who graduated from Brooklyn Lincoln High School before spending a post-grad year at IMG Academy. “It was pretty nice. I think Penn State just might be a better fit for me as far as where I’m trying to get at.”
Dickerson played in 26 games last year at SMU, finishing with 13 points, 23 rebounds and 9 blocks.
“I thought I was going to play a little more than I did,” he said.
Dickerson said that SMU coach Larry Brown suggested that both he and Mbargorba — who missed last season with a shoulder injury — find new homes.
“They told us what the deal was,” Dickerson said. “They told us it might be better if we were to transfer ourselves rather than stay and be on the bench.”
Dickerson must now sit a year as per NCAA transfer regulations, but said he expects to get stronger and better in the year off. He will then have three years of eligibility remaining.
“This will be a most important year as far as development and timing to mature and develop as a player and an individual,” he said.