Rodney Purvis Picks N.C. State

One of the nation’s top combo guards announced Friday his decision of staying close to home for college when Raleigh’s Rodney Purvis committed to N.C State. The 6-4 Upper Room Christian Academy senior chose the Wolfpack over N.C. Central, UConn, VCU and Memphis. Purvis, who ranks 10th in SLAM’s Fresh 50-2012, averaged 25.6 points and nine rebounds last season. From The News & Observer: “Unlike other high-profile recruits, Purvis did not stage any gimmicks or fake out any prospective schools just to pick another. But with fans of N.C. State and N.C. Central – two of the schools he had considered, along with Connecticut, Memphis and Virginia Commonwealth – in attendance, he did make a reference that made them pause for a brief moment.“After many conversations with the Lord, and visits, I came to the conclusion that there’s no place like home,” Purvis said before looking up at screaming Wolfpack fans to his right and Eagles fans to his left. “I will be joining my brother Tyler Lewis, a.k.a. ‘White Chocolate,’ at the North Carolina State Wolfpack.” Purvis announced to a crowd fully expecting that decision. Lewis, a 5-foot-11 guard from Statesville playing for Oak Hill Academy this year, is Gottfried’s other Class of 2012 commitment. Having known Lewis for years, Purvis referred to Lewis as his brother, acknowledging that they regularly keep in contact. Another player with whom Purvis has kept in contact was former Raleigh Word of God standout and current Washington Wizards point guard John Wall. Purvis tries to shake off people’s attempts to compare him to Wall, saying he’s honored but he isn’t at that level yet.”