Huge pickup for Donnie Jones and the Marshall Thundering Herd.

Jones & Co., received a commitment from talented 6-foot-9 Patterson School (N.C.) big man Hassan Whiteside on Saturday.

``He's long and athletic," Patterson coach Chris Chaney said. "He's inexperienced to the game, but once he learns how to play and how to work hard, potential-wise I honestly think he can be a pro. He's got that capability."

Judging by who else was trying to get into the mix, others felt the same way. Kentucky, UConn, N.C. State and Charlotte were also recruiting Whiteside.