Johnny O’Bryant, a top 25 prospect, had schools from coast-to-coast trailing his every move this past summer.
But shortly after the evaluation period the 6-foot-9, 245-pound power forward narrowed his list of schools and embarked on official visits to Mississippi, Maryland and LSU.
Then late last week O’Bryant came up with a decision. However he didn’t make his commitment official until Thursday.
O’Bryant, a 6-foot-9, 245-pound versatile power forward, told Scout.com he’s headed to play for Trent Johnson and the LSU Tigers.
“Just the opportunity to be able to come in and play from the jump and make a big impact on the program [was a big factor],” O’Bryant said. “They’ve also had a lot of power forward go to the league so I liked that too.”
Over the course of the recruiting process, O’Bryant, a five-star prospect, built a strong relationship with Johnson.
“He’s cool,” O’Bryant said of Johnson. “He’s a funny guy to be around and he keeps you laughing. He made me feel really comfortable around him.”
“Coach [Brent] Scott and I spent a lot of time talking about things,” the 2011 prospect added. “He’s on the phone a lot and he and I talk a lot.”
According to O’Bryant his trip to Baton Rouge (La.) factored into his decision as well. The Tigers were the first of his three official visits.
“When I went down for a visit it felt like home,” O’Bryant said. “I felt very comfortable. My mother and I talked and we just did what was best for us. “
Known for his versatility and ability to play in the post and on the perimeter, O’Bryant is hoping to be used as a face up four-man.
“As a four man, but as a four man they want me to step out and make a jump shot and I can take guys off the dribble from the high post and just create,” O’Bryant said.
O’Bryant is LSU’s second verbal commitment in the 2011 class. He joins Leesville (La.) Pickering standout John Isaac to make up their current group.
