DaytonDailyNews.com

DAYTON — Thurgood Marshall High School basketball star Juwan Staten sees sunshine and blue skies for the University of Dayton Flyers.

"Brighter days are definitely ahead," the sophomore point guard said at a news conference on Thursday, Feb. 28, announcing his verbal commitment to play basketball at UD.

With UD freshman Chris Wright as a foundation and future Flyers in Josh Benson (Dunbar) and Matt Kavanaugh (Centerville) serving as building blocks, Staten becomes another page in the recruiting brochure aimed at local talent.

"It's something special," Staten said. "If we all stay home and play for our home team, we can take 'em far."

How far?

"NCAA championship," he said, triggering an eruption of applause from students, faculty and administrators gathered in Marshall's library.

Staten's comfort level with the coaching staff, the proximity of campus, the communications degree he hopes to obtain and the ability to play as a freshman were his reasons for choosing UD.

"I wanted to stay close to home so my family and friends can see me play," he said. "(The Flyers) pack their arena every night. There's a lot of fan support. I want to be a part of it.

"I feel real comfortable around the coaches, and I trust them. They make me feel at home. Me and Coach (Brian) Gregory, we see eye to eye. It's like a perfect match."

Staten's parents — Marshall head coach Billy Staten and Cecilia Hill — are elated with the decision, admitting it was a close call over Xavier, with Ohio State and Purdue in the mix.

"Juwan's a thinker," his mother said. "He did his homework. He checked out everything and everybody at all the schools, paid attention, made unofficial visits and finally found the one that was right for him. It's a perfect fit."

Considered among Ohio's top four sophomores, Staten averaged 23.8 points and 8.8 assists a game this season for the 14-8 Cougars.

"You keep searching for something you've already got in your backyard," his father added. "That's what he realized when we took the unofficial visit. Everything he wanted was right here.

"It was neck-and-neck with Xavier. Coach (Sean) Miller and his staff did an excellent job recruiting him. They're fine people. Classy. It was real hard to tell them no. It was just UD. The coaching staff was just different than any staff we met. They really make you feel at home. We felt Juwan could maximize his abilities there."

Staten promises not to be mentioned in a category of kids who get complacent after committing early.

"It just means I've got to work harder," he said. "Now the stage is set. I've got to live up to it. The work has only just begun."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com.