AUGUSTA, Ga. - I'm guessing not quite as many college coaches are laughing about the Isiah Thomas hire now.

The former NBA player/coach/general manager secured his second commitment in less than a week on Sunday, receiving a verbal pledge from Wheeler High (Ga.) point guard Phil Taylor.

"It's a really, really good get for him (Isiah)," Scout.com national recruiting director Dave Telep said. "He's a small guy with quickness and toughness who has one of those personalities where he can attract other kids."

Thomas landed his first commitment, 6-foot-10 Chris Coleman, who many high-major schools were intrigued with, this past week – and got Taylor – who said he also fielded interest from numerous high-major schools.

"It's my dream to play with someone in the Hall of Fame," Taylor said. "He does what I do and as a kid, he's one of the guys I patterned my game after."

Coaches were speaking highly of Taylor, especially after he went for 40-plus points at the Peach State tournament down in Georgia over the weekend. Taylor, who is originally from Brooklyn, N.Y., averaged 21 points and 7 assists this past season while leading Wheeler to a state title – and said he was also recruited by Miami, Oregon, Xavier, Arizona and Richmond.

RANDOM NOTES: Florida commit Austin Rivers told me he's still committed to Florida and the speculation that was spreading the other day about him re-opening his recruitment is false. ... Rivers' dad, Boston Celtics coach Doc Rivers, is here watching his son – who is one of the elite guards in the Class of 2011. ... Arguably the two top players in the nation in the senior class, Harrison Barnes and Brandon Knight both suffered injuries on Sunday at the Peach Jam. Barnes had stitches in his non-shooting hand while Knight stepped on someone’s foot and sat out much of the second half after suffering what appeared to be a sprained foot. ... Forgot to mention that Jacksonville's Cliff Warren received a two-year extension that puts him through 2013. Warren has led JU to back-to-back 18-win seasons. ... Point guard Phil Pressey was terrific in leading Team Texas to a victory against the more talented Illinois Fire.