He's someone growing in stature, not just physically - he has sprouted another inch so far this summer to 6-11 - but on the court as well. Where Murray was once a toe-in-the-water big man, unsure around the basket, he's now become a force, rebounding, blocking shots and intimidating shooters.

With the skill comes attention, which is sure to grow. Murray played in the West Virginia Elite Camp on June 14, and then played in the NBA Top 100 camp, from June 16-22, in Virginia. Starting this Sunday, running from July 6-10, he will participate in the Reebok U. Camp, at Philadelphia University.

But having Villanova's Jay Wright, Temple's Fran Dunphy, St. Joe's Phil Martelli and La Salle's John Giannini watching his every move, dissecting his game and wondering whether he will fit in their respective programs - the four coaches wouldn't mind having an intimidating, 6-11 shot-blocker/rebounder - doesn't seem to faze Murray.

"I know what I have to do and that's to keep working hard," said Murray, who averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds a game last season for the Bulls. "I have put a lot of pressure on myself this summer to get better, but I am counted on to do that. But this recruiting process is something new for me. I'm going to be real patient. I'm just going to go along with it. I know if I have any questions, I have my coaches here at Glen Mills and my mom to go to.

"But I probably won't make a decision until after my senior season. I wouldn't mind staying home to play in college. I might want to stay home because I want my mother to see me play every night. She's had that chance to see me play at Glen Mills."

Glen Mills coach Craig Mellinger points out that the way Murray is handling the recruiting situation is a testament to his rising maturity on and off the court.

"This is all new to him and I believe he's enjoying the process," Mellinger said. "Being naïve about this process may have actually helped him. What kid wouldn't like the attention he's getting? It confirms in his own mind that he is a player of talent. It shows that he can do this."

LaToya Murray, Aaric's mother, says one big decision has already been made. Aaric has decided to stay after his release date at Glen Mills, a school for court-adjudicated youth. The Murrays live in the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia. Murray would have attended Simon Gratz.

"The main reason why I wanted Aaric to stay at Glen Mills is the way the streets are today in Philadelphia," said LaToya, who once was a 2-year starter herself at Gratz as a 6-foot center. "Aaric is a big kid, but I don't care, I don't want anyone hurting him. Glen Mills has great structure. Glen Mills always has something for him to do.

"The murder rate in this city is high, and we're talking about a kid who is 6-11 walking down the street. I won't see anything bad happening to my son like that. He stays in school all week and comes home on the weekends. That's fine with me. We don't live in the best neighborhood. But he's safe at Glen Mills. Aaric has a future now."

LaToya will have some say in where her son goes to college. "Part of me wants him close, and I had him when I was 16 and it's always been the two of us, but part of me wants him away from Philly and the craziness of these streets," LaToya said. "I'd love to go to his games, but I have cable. I can watch him on TV, knowing he's safe." *

Send e-mail to santolj@phillynews.com.