Raleigh Upper Room Christian Academy has been a big part of Rodney Purvis' life for the last three years and he wants the entire school to share in his celebration Friday when he makes his college commitment.
The 6-foot-4 combination guard is expected to make his announcement on Friday at 2:30 p.m. in the school's gymnasium in front of most of the academy's high-school students.
He is expected to choose from among N.C. State, Connecticut, Memphis and Virginia Commonwealth, according to Upper Room coach Avie Lester.
Purvis announced in August that he had those four schools, plus N.C. Central, Missouri, Ohio State and Virginia, on his final list.
Upper Room has been central in his recruitment. He did his in-home recruiting visits with the coaches of his contending schools at Upper Room's media center.
"He wants all the kids to be there with him," Lester said. "The school is very important to him and he wants everyone to be a part of the excitement."
"We are all sitting on pins and needles waiting for his decision."
Purvis averaged 25.6 points and 9 rebounds and led the Eagles in assists during the 2010-11 season.
He recently said in a blog post that his goal for this season is to average a triple double, at least 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists per game.
Purvis is ranked among the best high school players in the country. Rivals.com ranks Purvis No. 6 among high school seniors while scout.com has him at No. 15. ESPN has him ranked at No. 16.
Purvis committed to Louisville in December, but after an assistant coach left the program for Missouri, Purvis reopened his recruiting in May.
"The situation changed so Rodney's decision changed," Lester said. "But Rodney has handled his recruitment well. He has been great throughout the recruiting process. He is still grounded, still the same young man that he was before the recruiting began.
"He is the first big-time recruit at the school and he has set an example of how to stay grounded and not get caught up in all the things that people are telling you."
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