Top 2013 Recruit Nick King Commits to Memphis

Nick King, a 6-7 forward who was featured in the latest issue of SLAM 161, announced this morning in a press conference that he will be staying home for college and play for coach Josh Pastner at Memphis. The Memphis-native was also considering Texas, Vanderbilt and Tennessee. He averaged 21 points and 10 rebounds last season as a junior, while leading East High to its first state title since 1996. The state tourney’s MVP now joins Markel Crawford, a fellow Memphis-native 6-4 shooting guard from Melrose High, in the Tiger’s recruiting class of 2013. From the Commercial Appeal: “East High senior forward Nick King has committed to Memphis. The 6-6, 210-pound five-star prospect announced his college decision during a press conference at East on Monday morning. King, whom Scout.com rates the No. 18 overall prospect in the class of 2013, had also considered Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Texas. Memphis was the first school to offer King during his freshman year at East. “I have a great relationship with the (Memphis) staff. They have been recruiting me since ninth-grade year when coach (Josh) Pastner first came in,” King said. “Then (assistant) coach (Damon) Stoudamire came in, and it just built a better relationship. I feel great about it, and I have a great relationship with the players. He’s the Tigers’ second commitment for 2013, joining Melrose combo guard Markel Crawford. Olive Branch football and basketball standout Sam Craft, King’s AAU teammate this summer and a three-star point guard prospect, will walk on at Memphis in 2013.”