VILLANOVA - The Jeannette boys basketball team continues its road show tonight in the PrimeTime Shootout at Villanova University against Class AAAA power Chester.
It probably will mark the beginning of the final days of Pryor's basketball career.
Pryor said Thursday that he's planning to give up his hopes of playing football and basketball in college to concentrate on perfecting his quarterbacking skills.
"I want to be the best college quarterback in the game, so I know that playing basketball isn't in my future," he said after practice yesterday at Jeannette. "I know I have to get stronger, study more films and improve my football techniques if I want to achieve that goal."
Meanwhile, Jeannette basketball coach Jim Nesser became the second coach to indicate that Pryor is leaning toward signing with Ohio State.
Nesser said he believed Pryor hasn't made up his mind, however.
"I think Terrelle likes and trusts (Ohio State coach Jim) Tressel, but that's my opinion," Nesser said. "He'll do well wherever he chooses."
Roy Hall, Pryor's quarterbacks coach at Jeannette, told the Cleveland Plain Dealer that "a lot of things are telling me Ohio State. That's my gut feeling."
Nonetheless, Pryor said he doubts he will sign Wednesday on National Letter of Intent Day. He told ESPN senior writer Chris Lawlor that he might cancel his scheduled televised signing on ESPNU and CSTV. Lawlor is scheduled to fly to Pittsburgh on Monday, but he said he might cancel his flight.
After Jeannette plays Chester tonight and East Allegheny on Saturday, Pryor might plan trips to either Oregon or Penn State.
Meanwhile, a West Virginia assistant coach visited Jeannette football coach Ray Reitz yesterday at the high school. Also, Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, seven of his assistants and Tressel are expected to be at Jeannette for the East Allegheny game.
There is the considerable matter of the remainder of Jeannette's promising basketball season.
The Jayhawks, who own a 12-game winning streak, battle a talented Chester squad that features Pitt recruit Nasir Robinson and lost to Schenley in the PIAA Class AAAA title game.
The Chester is the latest in a series of games against top-level competition. Jeannette has played against WPIAL Class AA powers Beaver Falls and Aliquippa and in the Bojangles Classic in Charlotte, N.C., against some of the top teams in the nation.
Nesser put the Jayhawks in these games to showcase the talents of Pryor and to prepare his team for the upcoming WPIAL and PIAA playoffs.
"I think Terrelle deserves to be showcased," Nesser said. "He's a special player, and he loves basketball. Terrelle is a leader and a team player. He'll want the team to shine more than himself."
Pryor, who recently reached the 2,000-point and 1,000-rebound career marks, said he's excited about playing against Chester and Robinson.
"I know he's going to Pitt, and I believe we played against each other in eighth grade," Pryor said. "It should be a good battle."
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