Pitt just landed a big verbal commitment for the 2004 recruiting class. A shooting guard that is already being labeled the heir apparent to senior Julius Page.

[Keith] Benjamin, a 6-foot-2 shooting guard renowned for his gravity-defying dunks, chose the Panthers after originally committing to Villanova. He also received offers from Providence, St. John’s and Seton Hall.

“He jumps to the moon,” said Mt. Vernon coach Bob Cimmino, whose school sits 10 minutes outside of the Bronx. “He’s a high-wire act. It’s a gift.”

Rated the No. 57 player in the country by HoopScoop and the No. 19 shooting guard by Athlon magazine, Benjamin averaged 18 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists last season while shooting 44 percent from 3-point range. His high school team is 51-3 the past two years, including 26-1 last season.

He backed out of ‘Nova because they have major depth at the guard position, while he stands a shot at starting at Pitt. Pitt has 2 other scholarships to offer for the 2004 class.