Thomas Robinson wants to play early. He wants to know his situation, and is paying attention as the attention on him increases.

Unlike a lot of prospects, Robinson also knows a lot about where he stands with each team.

“Bob Huggins called yesterday,” says Redd, “and he was telling Thomas that their was an opening for him, but Thomas asked him about (incoming freshman) Roscoe Davis. Thomas knows who everybody has.”

That may impact one of the perceived favorites for Robinson, Pitt.

“He came off the floor after the game the other day and I told him that Dante (Taylor) signed with Pittsburgh and he said ‘Well, that’s a done deal with them then,’” says Redd. “But I told him to wait and let me see what’s going on. So Jamie Dixon called this morning and I mentioned Taylor, and Dixon said that they want to play both together, with Thomas at the three, but I don’t know. It’s something Thomas will have to sit down and think about it.”

Redd says that a decision could come at the end of the summer.

“That’s the plan right now,” he says. “In August, he will sit down, take a deep breath, and see who everybody has and what kind of style they play. Then he will pick three or four schools to visit.”

I can’t say I fault him for being cautious. College sports is littered with implied promises of early playing time and slavish praise and devotion on one player as being the centerpiece only to learn otherwise.

If you want to start focusing on 2010 and 2011, NBE Basketball Report has some more on youngsters Pitt is very interested in pursuing.

Victor Olidipo – If there is a rising junior that could end up being the next Thomas Robinson – being in time one of the most highly recruited players in the East – it is Victor. Though he’s getting an early start, and has a long way to go, the 6’3”, 180 pound Olidipo always leaves onlookers shocked at some athletic play, whether it is a follow up slam, fast break move, or blocked shot. More and more, Olidipo is impacting the game down offensively, including open court patting, good spot up shooting, and always making the right play.

Providence has offered, while Pittsburgh is very interested. Joining Providence in tendering a scholarship offer are Oklahoma, Maryland, George Mason, James Madison and UNC-Greensboro, while Clemson, BC and VCU can be placed along with Pitt has expressing interest.
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Mike Gbinije – A 6’6”, 180 pound rising sophomore, Gbinije may be a ‘golden child’ in that he can do it all, including shoot, defend, drive, and pass. Even more impressive is he does all of this in a team setting.

Not surprisingly, the heavies are starting to contact, with Georgetown and Pittsburgh (who has offered) hot in pursuit from a Big East bent, while Texas, North Carolina and Virginia Tech (another offerer) have joined the parade. Recently, Florida may have also offered.

Rivals.com already has Olidipo as a 4-star prospect, #52 in the country and #11 among shooting guards. Gbinije is merely an entry in the database right now.