Jaylen Bond Reconsiders College Choice

Jaylen Bond dreamed about playing major Division I college basketball since he first made a layup. The 6-foot-8, 225-pound recent graduate thought he had a great destination all lined up, too, around this time last year when he committed to Big East power Pittsburgh.

But Bond would rather be right about his future than go forward with a move he doesn’t exactly feel comfortable with. So on August 28, the all-state forward will head to St. Thomas More School, a all-boys boarding prep school in Oakdale, Connecticut, for a year and reconsider his college choice.

He de-committed from Pittsburgh after the season.

“This is my choice, I wanted another year under my belt to develop physically, plus work on my overall game more before I went to college,” said Bond, who was highly instrumental in the Colonials winning the 2010 PIAA Class AAAA state championship. “I’m open for anything right now, but it was a difficult choice to make. I feel comfortable with the move, but when I made it, it was a tough choice."

Bond says his decision was based on looking to his future.

“I just didn’t want to make a mistake and make a move that I would later regret in life," he said. "It’s why I de-committed from Pitt. I just turned 18 [in May] and I think I need to mature more. Another year will help me.”

Because Bond signed a letter of intent with Pitt in November, he is not eligible to sign with another Big East school under Big East Conference rules. He could transfer to any other Division I school outside the conference after his prep year at St. Thomas More, or he can remain committed to Pitt.

Pitt received a commitment from McDonald All-American power forward Khem Birch, who plays the same position as Bond.

Bond, however, said he prefers to play small forward in college and will use his time to develop those skills further from the basket.

“My concern is always with my players and what I can do to help them,” Plymouth Whitemarsh coach Jim Donofrio said. “When this happened the last week of the season, Jaylen was seemingly at peace with his decision. Jaylen is the first kid I’ve ever had change his mind after signing, but it’s still my job to be supportive."

Donofrio said that Bond "deserves to go to a college where he can get the best four years out of his ability."

“Jaylen works so hard on his game and with someone like Jaylen, he could very well play beyond college," he said. "He’s shined when he’s been able to run the floor—just get out of his way. He’s taking one more year to evolve his all-around game.”

Bond feels certain he’ll attract major Division I attention again, and he should, especially from local schools Temple, St. Joseph’s, where former Plymouth Whitemarsh teammate CJ Aiken plays, and La Salle.

“I have to do what’s right and what feels best for me,” Bond said. “I thought about my choice [of Pitt] in the middle of last season, and it just didn’t feel right. I’m open to anything right now. I think I’ll have other choices, and my decision will be one I feel comfortable with. I’m sure it’s the right move.”