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Jamie Dixon starts Pitt’s 2013 class with commitment from forward Mike Young

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Dixon signals his team during the first half of their NCAA men's basketball game in Syracuse

Pittsburgh Panthers head coach Jamie Dixon signals his team during the first half of their NCAA men’s basketball game in Syracuse, New York January 16, 2012. REUTERS/Adam Fenster (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BASKETBALL)

REUTERS

Pittsburgh head coach Jamie Dixon was reportedly “stumbling over his words” with excitement when he got news that four-star forward Mike Young had chosen his Panthers over the Florida Gators Saturday.

“[Dixon] wanted me really bad,” Young told the Tribune-Review. “I was his No. 1 priority.”

Young is a good rebounder and versatile forward, a threat both on the inside and extending out toward the perimeter. He played for Hudson Catholic (N.J.) this past season and is set to return to his former school, St. Benedict’s (N.J.), in 2012-13.

He is originally from Pittsburgh, which reportedly was part of the reason for the decision he made. Pitt assistant Bradin Knight watched Young extensively at the recent Live in AC tournament during the July live recruiting period, with Young playing for the NJ Playaz.

Young becomes the first recruit for Jamie Dixon from the Class of 2013, following a 2012 class that featured big-time prospects Steven Adams and James Robinson. Also included in that class is another New Jersey native, forward Chris Jones.

Pitt is coming off a 22-17 season, a year that included a 5-13 mark in the Big East. Though the non-conference slate and conference schedule saw some disappointment, the Panthers managed to win five of their last six and capture the CBI Tournament championship.

Leading scorer Ashton Gibbs has graduated, leaving more duties to redshirt senior Tray Woodall and the incoming freshman Robinson.

Daniel Martin is a writer and editor at JohnnyJungle.com, covering St. John’s. You can find him on Twitter:@DanielJMartin_