D.J. Newbill, a 6-foot-4 point guard from Philadelphia who spent last season at Southern Miss, made a verbal commitment Friday to Penn State.
Newbill, who averaged 9.2 points and 6.2 rebounds as a freshman, also considered Temple, Drexel and La Salle, among others.
He will sit out next season as per NCAA transfer regulations before having three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2012.
“He felt a real good family-oriented vibe,” said his mentor, Donte Adolphues. “It seemed like they cared about the kid. They want to bring big time basketball to Penn State and the Big 10 Conference.”
Adolphues said the Philly native “wanted to be a little closer to home so mom and the family can come to his games.”
Newbill initially committed to Marquette in 2010 but the school reportedly rescinded the offer.
“He’s going to be a big-time point guard,” Adolphues said. “I compare him to Deron Williams. He’s 6-4 point guard who can shoot the basketball and is an excellent teammate.”
