PITTSBURGH -- Power forward Dante Taylor, ranked among the nation's top 30 basketball recruits by some scouting services, has given a verbal commitment to join the University of Pittsburgh's 2009 incoming class.

Taylor called Pitt coach Jamie Dixon on Monday to tell him the news, according to a report by WTAE Channel 4's news exchange partners at the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review.

The White Plains, N.Y., native is ranked as a five-star player by Rivals.com and Scout.com. Pitt won't be able to officially comment about Taylor until he signs a national letter of intent, which could happen as early as the November signing period.

National champion Kansas and Big East rivals Connecticut and Syracuse were also trying to sign the 6-foot-9, 230-pound Taylor, of National Christian Academy in Fort Washington, Md.

Last season, Taylor averaged 20 points and 11 rebounds as a junior at National Christian. NBA lottery draft picks Kevin Durant and Michael Beasley also attended that school.

Taylor would seem to be a strong candidate for the McDonald's All-American team, and he will be Pitt's first truly elite recruit in many years.

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