After a long recruitment process, Calvin Temple verbally committed today to play basketball for Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. Other schools the Center Hill player considered were the University of Louisiana at Monroe, Tulsa University, Campbell University and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

“I want to thank God for the ability he gave me,” Temple said at the announcement in the Center Hill High School PAC.

The senior also thanked his parents, Aundra and Lisa Miller, as well as his trainer, James Harvey.

Although Temple’s verbal commitment is not legally binding, Principal Doug Payne said the decision to declare early was a good one.

“It takes a little of the pressure off,” Payne said.

Temple, a point guard for the Mustangs, said he was deemed ineligible for his junior year last season when he moved from Olive Branch High School.

“It was tough watching my teammates play every night, and knowing that I could help them compete at a higher level,” Temple said.

Temple’s mother said the wait was good for her son.

“He has grown a lot throughout this process,” she said.

Coach Newton Mealer said part of his job is preparing his athletes to play at the college level.

“My job is to develop young men, not only on the court but off the court,” he said, referring to his time coaching Temple as “a special privilege. For a kid to transfer and not be able to play basketball, sit out his entire junior season, because he knew he was in the right spot. This school has just rallied behind him.”

Still, Mealer said the focus needs to be on this season.

“We’re just ready to get this behind us, and hopefully win a state championship,” Mealer said.