Junior College Big Man Ping Makes Decision

Shang Ping, the 6-foot-10 center from China who is now at Illinois Central College, announced Tuesday morning that he has decided to sign with Nebraska. Ping visited Oklahoma State this past weekend, and returned to Peoria, Ill., on Sunday before making his decision, Illinois Central coach Tony Wysinger said.

“He’s made the decision to go to Nebraska,” Wysinger said late Tuesday morning. “He pretty much made the decision (Monday) but I asked him to think about it overnight and we talked again this morning and he said he was sure it was Nebraska.”

Ping enjoyed his trip to Oklahoma State this past weekend, but felt that Nebraska was the best fit for him, Wysinger said.

“He really did enjoy his visit. He thought the facilities and everything was top notch,” said Wysinger. “He said he just felt more comfortable with what was happening at Nebraska.”

Wysinger said the OSU coaching staff asked Ping to take some time before making his final decision, and that’s what he did. “They did want him to wait at least 24 hours before he made his final decision, and we did do that,” Wysinger said.

“I told him this morning that he was in a win-win situation in whichever decision he made,” Wysinger continued. “He should be feeling really good that he had set a goal for himself to play Division I basketball, and now he has accomplished that. I’ve always said that he could play at a high level. Now, he just needs to concentrate on getting his academics in order.”

Ping was just one of several post players the Cowboys were recruiting. They will now concentrate their efforts on 6-foot-11 Mamadou Diarra of Stoneridge Prep School in Simi Valley, Calif., and 6-9 Martavius Adams of Irwinton (Ga.) Wilkinson County.