PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Commitment season is in full swing and 270 Hoops has the latest with one of Central Ohio’s top prospects. Pickerington North senior wing Dondre Palmer has made his college decision, committing to coach Charlie Ernst and the Findlay Oilers. 

Palmer spoke with 270 Hoops exclusively before announcing his decision.

“With Findlay, I just looked at the bigger picture,” Palmer told 270 Hoops. “Their coaching staff had a lot more experience than the other schools. Also, statistically speaking, Findlay’s graduation rate was highest and getting a job after college was highest.

“So I just felt I had the best opportunity with Findlay having a great athletic program and also getting the education needed to be successful after college.”

For someone of Palmer’s age, his wisdom is well beyond his years, as the hopeful business major went with the best fit, both on and off the court for the next four years. 

Much of Palmer’s wisdom has been passed down by his older brother, Desmond Palmer, an All-American track and field performer at Pittsburgh for the last four years. Also a business major, Desmond offered valuable advice to his younger brother throughout the recruiting process.

“The main thing Desmond told me was to go to the school that you feel most comfortable spending four years at,” Dondre Palmer said. “With that statement, it makes you think about all the essential things you look for before making one of the most difficult decision of your life.”

For Palmer’s services, Findlay beat out Malone, Urbana, Northwestern Ohio and Shawnee State. In Palmer, Findlay is getting an absolute winner of a 6-foot-5 wing who will do the little things to lead his team to victory. While Palmer’s suffocating perimeter defense and finishing ability in transition may grab your attention, it was other elements to his overall game that Findlay is most intrigued with.

“Coach Ernst was most impressed with the way I communicate and the energy I bring,” Palmer said. “Those two things separate me from other recruits.”

Ernst’s evaluation of Palmer is spot on, as the Pickerington North senior has made a name for having one of the best motors in the state of Ohio. From the first time we watched Palmer, it was that effort level that made him stand out. With his skill set now matching his activity level, Palmer has evolved into an all-around intriguing two-way prospect who will contribute early on.

With his recruitment behind him, Palmer now focuses toward a high school season in which Pickerington North has a chance to make history once again. Already winning its first district title in school history last season, Palmer is looking to help secure the first state championship for the Panthers. An integral part in the transformation of the North program, Palmer has seen Jason Bates’ program evolve from a doormat of the OCC-Ohio to a perennial power in the state.

“It’s crazy, it feels like we were just freshman but now we are leading the charge for hopefully a long tournament run,” Palmer said. 

Stay tuned for more surrounding Palmer and his commitment.