Rick Pitino and Louisville made Rodney Purvis one of their top priorities in the 2012 class.
Late Friday night the extra effort with the 6-foot-2 guard out of Raleigh (N.C.) Upper Room Christian paid off. Purvis gave the Cardinals the nod over strong interest from Duke, Xavier and a host of other high major programs.
“With all the other schools I felt like they had other players they were recruiting before me,” Purvis said. “I was Louisville’s No. 1 priority and they made me feel that way. I just wanted to return them the favor and choose Louisville.”
Purvis, who recently switched from the 2013 class to the 2012, cited his relationship with the coaching staff and Louisville’s future as reasons he went with the Cardinals.
“Over time I gained a great relationship with coach Pitino and the whole entire coaching staff,” Purvis told Scout.com. “I liked everything there on the visit. The AD is very committed to Louisville basketball. I just feel like it’s a great spot and Louisville has a great future.”
Purvis, a five-star prospect, took an unofficial visit to Louisville a few weeks ago and he was especially impressed with the new YUM! Center.
“The arena is great,” Purvis said. “It’s one of the best things I’ve seen, period, and with all the people in there wearing red it made it even better. Just with the overall fan base and support they get from the whole city of Louisville, I’m just excited.”
New Louisville assistant Tim Fuller has strong North Carolina ties and that played a big role in this one.
“Me and Tim, over the course of days, just gained a great relationship and I trust him a lot with things,” Purvis said. “We just gained a lot of trust in each other and developed a great relationship.”
Purvis is ranked as the No. 1 lead guard in the 2012 class and is No. 8 overall in the 2012 class.
Louisville put together a top 10 class in 2011 and is off to a great start in 2012 with the Purvis commitment. Purvis is Louisville's first pledge in the 2012 class.