Indiana has picked up their first commitment for the 2012 class. 7-0, 195-lb center Peter Jurkin. He announced his commitment Monday evening at halftime of the Adidas Nations championship game.
Tonight after competing with Team Africa, the Sudan native said, “I have decided to commit to Indiana University. It’s a good college. Good coach. I like it.”
Jurkin is no stranger to Bloomington. He is one of many players involved with Mark Adams, the founder and president of the A-HOPE (African Hoop Opportunities Providing an Education) Foundation. This program provides unique opportunities and caters to the interest of those brought over. He also plays for the Indiana Elite AAU team based out of Bloomington.
Jurkin, a solid center, is especially dominant on the defensive end. His shot blocking truly makes him a special player. He covers a lot of ground with his big step and is strong on the glass. The biggest concern would of course be his weight. A 7-foot center but just 195-lbs. Jurkin however is only a junior in high school meaning he still has plenty of time left in the weight room. He was being recruited by Tennessee, South Carolina, Clemson, North Carolina, and N.C. State.
Many sites have yet to publish their list for the class of 2012. ESPN.com ranks Jurkin the 16th best prospect. Peter Jurkin is a great get for Tom Crean.
Another top recruit in the 2012 class is Hanner Perea. Perea is a part of the same A-HOPE initiative out of Bloomington. Numerous reports believe that Perea is down to Baylor and Indiana. With Jurkin committing to IU, Perea may quickly follow behind. Hanner, a 6-7, 205-pounds forward ranks in the top-15 by both Rivals and Scout recruiting services.
Other 2012 targets include top-talents in Indianapolis. Park Tudor’s Yogi Ferrell, North Central’s D’Vauntes Smith Rivera, and Lawrence Central’s Jeremy Hollowell, and Gary Harris out of Hamilton Southeastern all are intriguing prospects Coach Tom Crean would like to land.
For now, Indiana will continue their 2011 efforts of Washington, IN forward Cody Zeller and Missouri guard B.J. Young.
Indiana currently has one scholarship available for 2011. But not to worry. Crean will make sure there is room for Zeller and Young. Five scholarships open up for 2012. For a full listing of scholarship numbers, click here.
Below is a video of the new commitment.