Bejarano no longer committed to Texas

Phoenix North star Daniel Bejarano, Arizona's top ranked prospect in the 2010 class, reopened his recruitment Thursday morning after being a University of Texas commit for 11-plus months.

Bejarano, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard who in March helped lead North to its first state championship since 1991, said he is likely to remain in Arizona for college.

"This was just a decision I felt was the right thing for me," Bejarano said. "After some of the things that have happened in my life and with my family this year, I just decided I really want to try to stay closer to home."

In June, Bejarano's biological father, Damion Gosa, a former star basketball player at Phoenix Carl Hayden, was shot to death during what police have said was a home break in.

The No. 57 overall recruit and No. 13 shooting guard prospect in the class, Bejarano made a commitment to Texas in October of last year following an unofficial visit to the school. Prior to that visit, he was considered a strong Arizona State lean.

"I'd like to show everyone that there are really good players in Arizona and to represent Arizona here in the state if possible," Bejarano said. "I haven't had any conversations with any (college) coaches yet but I would like to make my decision pretty quickly, like in the next week or two. I would still like to sign in November."

There is a possibility Bejarano will be able to host coaches for in-home visits before Monday, the final day such visits are allowed according to recruiting calendar guidelines.

"I don't really want to go through the whole recruiting process again unless I have to," Bejarano said. "I'd rather just take a look at the schools in Arizona again and make a decision from there. But if I have to look at other options then I will do that."

Bejarano, a first-team all-state selection, averaged 23.8 points, nine rebounds and three assists as a junior for North, which went 25-6 on the season.

In the 5A-II championship game, No. 2 North defeated No. 1 Tucson Ironwood Ridge 42-39, with Bejarano scoring a game-high 22 points.