Nov. 13, 2003

Charleston, SC - As the video cameras rolled in the library at St. John's High School, Vera Nelson provided the commentary.

"It's a very big day for us," she said. "Demetrius finally did it. We have one who's going to The Citadel."

It was a big day for Citadel basketball, too, as Islanders standout Demetrius Nelson signed a national letter of intent with the Bulldogs while his parents, Vera and Mark Nelson, looked on.

Nelson, a 6-8 forward, turned down offers from Wofford, Furman and South Carolina State, among others, to sign with The Citadel on Wednesday.

"If you go to The Citadel, it shows you are willing to work," said Demetrius Nelson, who averaged 19.8 points and 11 rebounds last season, leading the Islanders to the Class AA Lower State championship game.

"I'm willing to work, and I was also thinking about life after basketball. I think The Citadel had the best opportunity for me to get a job after I finish bouncing the basketball."