Catching up with Carson

After signing the 21st best recruiting class in 2009 and with a verbal commitment for the 2010 class already secured, Coach Craig Robinson and the men's basketball staff is not resting. Looking ahead to the 2011 class, Robinson has secured a commitment from one of the most dynamic point guards in the nation, Jahii Carson from Phoenix (Ariz) Mountain Pointe High.

Watch the highlight clips from Jahii's sophomore year and it is evident that the Beavers have a star in the making. At 5-foot-10 (5'11" in shoes), Carson is the quintessential point guard, full of speed and athleticism and he is looking forward to coming into Corvallis to help continue the momentum to make Oregon State a national contender.

"Oregon State is an up and coming program," Carson said. "I'll be able to play my style and use my quickness. My speed can be deceiving. A guy will get on me and then I'll blast past them."

"I've been looking at the commitments Oregon State has, and there are players coming in who I'd love to play with," Carson told Rivals.com late last week. "Also, Coach Robinson told me he wanted me so he could let me play and not contain me. He wants me to do what I do and push the tempo for him. I can breakdown the defense and have shooters like Roberto [Nelson] on the wing and also have Big Joe [Burton] to outlet the ball."

Carson does more than shoot and dish, as he recently showcased his dunking talents at the HAX Memorial Day Blast, where he finished second in the Slam Dunk competition.

As Carson continues to work out and play in tournaments with his Compton Magic AAU squad and Mountain Pointe High team, he is also planning a trip to Corvallis in August to take part in Oregon State's Elite Basketball camp. Being one of the premier prospects in the 2011 class, Carson said that he had received recruiting attention from Arizona, UCLA, Washington, Kentucky and Kansas, but that his commitment to the Beavers is solid.

"I feel my commitment (to Oregon State) is strong," Carson commented. "I really don't see myself taking any other trips."

While Beaver Nation must wait a couple of seasons before seeing him suit up in the Orange and Black, the wait will be worth it as Coach Robinson continues to bring in the talent to make Oregon State serious contenders in the years ahead. Stay tuned to BeaverBlitz.com who will keep in contact with Jahii Carson throughout the next two seasons and bring readers the latest on his progress.