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An article in the Philly Chronicle about early bball commitments that includes a nice bit about D’Orazio:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking … page=1&c=y
The early, early commit
D’Orazio enjoyed a strong sophomore season at Camden Catholic, helping the Irish win the South Jersey Non-Public A championship.
A player with true ice water in his veins, the 6-2 D’Orazio never backs away from taking the big shot.
His ability to shoot off the dribble or from a standing position has made him a valuable commodity, and he averaged 15 points and five assists last season.
So when Lehigh made the early offer in the fall of his junior year, D’Orazio felt no reason to extend the recruiting process.
"It’s a great school academically, I liked the basketball program, and Lehigh had everything I was looking for," D’Orazio said.
While most people were sure that the commitment would take the pressure off D’Orazio, he said it was quite the opposite.
"After I announced I was going to Lehigh, it made things more intense," he said. "Players started coming after me harder."
That’s because opponents wanted to measure themselves against a Division I recruit, figuring that if they fared well, their chances would be enhanced.
Opponents always have played D’Orazio hard, simply because he is such an offensive threat. Yet the pressure intensified.
D’Orazio isn’t complaining. He was happy with his choice then and just as satisfied now.
"It’s a great feeling to know you will be going to such a great school and will continue to play the game you love," he said.