Nittany Lions add first piece to Class of 2019

Patrick Chambers and the Penn State men's basketball program have their first verbal commitment of the Class of 2019.

Patrick Kelly, a 6-foot-8, 205 pound small forward out of Virginia Episcopal School in Lynchburg, Va., has made the call for the Nittany Lions.

"The coaching staff believes in me and I feel that I would be a good fit in their program athletically and academically," Kelly wrote to Blue White Illustrated.

Following an unofficial visit to Penn State's campus this past weekend in which he was able to tour the University Park campus and catch the Nittany Lions' 60-43 win against Rutgers, Kelly felt comfortable in his decision. He'd also been on campus as a hoops guest for Penn State football's win against Michigan in October.

Self-described as a "shooter that rebounds hard and does the little things well," Kelly has entertained recruiting interest from Ohio State, Purdue, Virginia, N.C. State, UNLV, Georgetown, Florida Gulf Coast and Providence, among others. According to a story with BigShots.net last week, Kelly said Penn State, Ohio State and Purdue had been recruiting him the hardest lately.

This season, Kelly has been averaging 14 points and nine rebounds for the Bishops, and says he is working to improve his ball handling and strength.

Kelly plays with Rasir Bolton on Team Loaded AAU. Bolton signed with PSU for the Class of 2018.