Perris Blackwell, a 6’ 9” forward/center from Etiwanda High School in Etiwanda, CA. has given the University of San Francisco a verbal commitment.  After completing an official visit to both The University of San Francisco and St. Mary’s College, Perris cancelled his visit to Fresno State.

Perris, who played varsity this past season as a part-time starter, played a pivotal role in his team posting a record of 31-3 before losing in the CIF Championship game to MLK.

Perris Blackwell is considered one of the top center prospects on the west coast by ESPN.com and Scout.com He is a big bodied, strong power forward/center with excellent skills.  He is also an intense competitor who plays superbly with his back to the basket.  A much improved athlete Perris has great hands, is a tenacious rebounder on the offensive glass, and is exceptional in the pick and roll game.

 The odyssey began for Perris in the 9^th grade when he joined IEBP as a 6’2’ center.  His ability and overall confidence as a player greatly improved as a direct result of the workout regime he undertook during this spring and summer.  He played well during the Santa Clara elite camp, being offer a scholarship, and the UCLA elite camp where he faced some of the best players on the west coast.  But it was at the Double Pump Camp where Perris had his awakening and saw his stock soar.  Perris was name to the “Best of the Best All-Star Game” and, there after, had schools from around the country in hot pursuit of him. By the end of the summer Perris had multiple scholarships offer to consider.  He had gained the attention of the UCR, Colgate University, Boise State, Tulsa, Pacific, University of Washington, Marquette, Fresno State and Arizona State among others.

 We spoke with Perris this evening to ask, "Why San Francisco?"  He replied, "San Francisco represented the perfect balance of athletics, academics and social life.  After being around the coaching staff on my un-official and official visit, I found them to be genuine with both me and my parents.  After having the chance to develop a relationship with head coach Rex Walters, who is a former NBA player, I believe I will gain experience that will prove to be invaluable to me.  I’m confident he is going to turn the program around with good players and I want to be a part of that...  Plus the city is beautiful.”

 Perris envisions the possibility of playing significant minutes as a freshman, and the ability to be a significant team contributor right from the start.  "I want to help win a WCC title, and to help restore the legacy of USF basketball before I’m done there”. "Additionally, I would like my family to have the opportunity to enjoy my collegiate experience because I won't be that far from home."

 Carrying a 3.2 grade point average, Perris plans to major in Business administration.

The IEBP Family and Coaching staff would like to congratulate Perris and his family on a job well done.