Photo by George Smith. Progressive Christian Academy basketball star Jordan Goodman, third from left, commits to Rutgers, recinding his committment to Georgetown.

Published on: Wednesday, August 11, 2010

By Brandy L. Simms

Progressive Christian Academy basketball star Jordan Goodman has rescinded his verbal commitment to Georgetown. Instead, he has opted to commit to Rutgers where he becomes the first player in the school’s 2012 recruiting class.

Goodman, a member of the prestigious D.C. Assault AAU program, averaged 17 points and eight rebounds per game for Progressive Christian Academy last season.

The 6-foot-9 forward, who transferred to the Camp Springs private school after spending the 2008-2009 season at Seneca Valley High in Montgomery County, gave a verbal commitment to Georgetown earlier this year, but he changed his mind when former Georgetown assistant coach David Cox was named the new associate coach at Rutgers. Cox once coached in the D.C. Assault AAU program.

“Jordan Goodman reeks of promise and potential,” said Ron Bailey, publisher of i95ballerz.com. “(He’s) a 6-foot 9-inch shooter. When so desired, Jordan can rebound and get to the rim off three dribbles or so. He must continue to improve his ball handling, decision making, strength and defense, but the sky is the limit for Goodman.”

As a sophomore at Seneca Valley during the 2008-2009 campaign, Goodman averaged 19 points, 13 rebounds, four assists and three blocked shots per game and helped lead the Screaming Eagles to the school’s second state semifinal appearance in four years.

“I compare him to (former Georgetown basketball star) Reggie Williams,” Seneca Valley head coach Tom Sheahin said earlier this year. “He’s a great shooter, good shot blocker (and) defender.”

Goodman, considered one of the area’s most prized recruits, has been a prime target for major college scouts over the past couple years.

He’s a four-star prospect according to scout.com and ranks among the ESPNU Super 60 in the Class of 2012. Goodman is ranked No. 49 in his class.

“Jordan has a high ceiling,” added Bailey. “He’s as good as he wants to be.”