Keanu Pinder de-commits from Nebraska, will explore options
Australian forward Keanu Pinder has announced his de-commitment from the University of Nebraska.
Photo credit: Perth Wildcats
The 6'8 forward out of Perth committed to Nebraska in October of 2013 when he moved to Wichita, Kansas to attend Sunrise Christian Academy. Pinder cited his desire to experience the entire recruitment process as a big factor in his decision, something he wasn't able to do because of his early commitment.
I felt like I didn't really get to experience the whole recruiting thing because I committed to Nebraska so early when I came to the US. So I thought I would just open it up again.
With the expectation that he would be a part of Nebraska's 2015 recruiting class, Pinder instead went to junior college and played last season at Hutchinson Community College - averaging 6.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg.
Pinder announced the de-commitment via Twitter, with many speculating that the decision was due to Chris Harriman - an Australian native who was instrumental in recruiting Pinder to Nebraska - leaving the school. Harriman is now on the coaching staff at the University of New Mexico and is expected to continue his recruitment of Pinder.
I have decided to de-commit from Nebraska and open up my recruiting again.
— Keanu Pinder (@KeanuPinder28) May 21, 2015
When asked whether New Mexico was on his radar, Pinder mentioned it as a possibility.
There is a chance.
During his time in high school, Pinder had offers from Auburn, New Mexico and St Mary's, along with Nebraska.
Pinder will spend one more year at Hutchinson Community College before moving to his next stop, with his eyes set on one ultimate goal.
My goal after college would be to play in the NBA.