Episcopal senior center Peter Diffley will visit the University of Tampa on an official recruiting visit over the weekend. Diffley, who is a Bellerose, N.Y. native has already visited Iona and Wagner — both Division I programs — albeit on unofficial visits. Both schools are interested, but are weighing their options with the spring signing period, which began April 16.
“Peter is on plenty of radar screens,” said Episcopal head coach Jim Fitzpatrick. “With the signing period starting, we’re waiting to see what the schools do... He’s going to go and see how it feels.”
Fitzpatrick cited Richard Schmidt’s tenure — he just finished his 25th season — and the ability to develop centers. Senior center Jeremy Black was recently named the Sunshine State Conference and South Region Player of the Year, as well as a Division II All-American.
Diffley spent the past weekend playing in the Suburban-District All-Star game, the same exhibition that featured Winbush. Diffley, who started for the District squad, finished with four rebounds, two points and two blocks in 18 minutes.
Diffley, whose brother played at Southern Connecticut, averaged 17 points, 11 rebounds as a senior. He earned Virginia Independent School Athletic Association all-state honors and was chosen first-team all Interstate Athletic Conference.
“It was the best time I had playing basketball in my high school career and my life,” said Diffley, who plans to make his decision by the end of the month.
As for the summer plans, Diffley said he’s anxious to finalize his decision.
“I’ve got to find where I’m going to go to school first,” Diffley said. “I’ve got to do those plans before I figure out the summer plans.”