DiLeo, a star basketball and soccer player from Cinnaminson High, has made a verbal commitment to play basketball for Fran Dunphy at Temple.

"The tradition of Temple basketball and how much I like coach Dunphy was the reason I chose Temple," said the 6-2 DiLeo. "My soccer days are over, but basketball is my first love. I can't wait to play for a coach like coach Dunphy."

In leading the Pirates to a 28-3 record, DiLeo averaged 23.9 points per game. The son of 76ers assistant general manager Tony DiLeo, T.J. led his team to the South Jersey Group 2 title game, where Cinnaminson dropped a 70-69 thriller to Collingswood. In that game, DiLeo had 32 points.

He was one of South Jersey's most exciting players this season, with long-range shooting accuracy and fearless drives to the basket that often resulted in jaw-dropping dunks.

Monmouth was another school DiLeo had strongly considered. *

- Bob Cooney