Hiram Fuller has signed a national letter of intent to attend the University of Cincinnati — against his mother's wishes — and called it “the toughest decision I've ever made in my life.”

        The 6-foot-9 power forward from Wabash Valley College in Mount Carmel, Ill., is holding a press conference Thursday to announce his choice. He issued only a prepared statement Tuesday.

        “I've prayed on it, I've taken time to sit alone and think about it all, and I truly feel that the best fit for me is the University of Cincinnati,” Fuller said.

        “I know this is disappointing to some, but it has been a dream of mine since the eighth grade to play at a top-level, nationally ranked school. Since I was blessed with the opportunity I have today, I wanted that dream to come true.”

        His mother, Cherrie Clark, has told the Fresno Bee that she would not sign a letter of intent unless her son chose Fresno State. Fuller is 19 years old, and his letter requires the signature of a parent.

        A man at Clark's home Tuesday said the family would have no comment on the matter for now.

        If Clark does not sign, Fuller's letter will not be valid and binding. That means he could decide to attend another school before he enrolls at UC.

        Cincinnati coaches can't comment about Fuller until there is a signed, valid letter of intent.

        Fuller made official visits to Oregon, Fresno State and UC. His statement said his decision was “a truly painful one — emotionally, physically, as well as mentally.”

        Fuller, from Tacoma, Wash., played last season at Modesto (Calif.) Junior Col lege and averaged 13 points and 9.5 rebounds. He is considered one of the top junior-college power forwards in the country. He left Modesto when coach Mike Terpstra left for Cal State Stanislaus.

        Fuller joins Jason Maxiell, a power forward from Carrollton, Texas, in UC's fall recruiting class.

'Cats ready to 'shock' people UC scouting report Corner center of big plays Fuller signs with UC

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