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Washington Basketball Recruiting: Pittsburgh Transfer Khem Birch Has UW In Top Six

Pittsburgh guard Khem Birch has decided to leave Jamie Dixon and the Pittsburgh Panthers. One of his final six transfer options include Washington.

Freshman forward Khem Birch told Jeff Goodman at CBS Sports that he is considering transferring to Washington, Gonzaga, Florida, UNLV, Xavier and New Mexico State.

Birch reiterated that he wants to go somewhere more up-tempo and a spot where he can develop his four-man skills. "I want to play more four," he said. "That's one of the main reasons I went to Pittsburgh in the first place. I know I don't have the four-man skills yet, but I want to develop them." (Via: CBS Sports)

The Huskies definitely offer an up-tempo style of play. As for being able to develop four-man skills, Birch will have to make that judgement himself. Jon Brockman was a successful four-man in the Huskies' system and was able to make it to the NBA. Other than Brockman, there aren't any other power forwards from Washington currently in the NBA.

Birch is a 6'9" athletic and explosive big man who was considered one of the top shot-blockers in his recruiting class. He was named a McDonald's All-American his senior year at Notre Dame Prep.

When he decides on a school, Birch will have to sit out two semesters before he can start playing again. He also has the option of entering his name into the 2012 NBA Draft.

Washington has yet to sign a recruit or gain a verbal commitment from a player from the class of 2012, but theoretically only has one scholarship to give with only Darnell Gant leaving after this season.

Khem Birch Future Pittsburgh Panther - Class of 2011 - Notre Dame Prep - National Prep Showcase (via CityLeagueHoopsTV)