As USF basketball prepares for two key transfers to join the Bulls' roster, coach Stan Heath is busy courting another impact transfer for next season.

The Bulls are one of four schools in the mix for Jamie Skeen, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound power forward who is transferring after two seasons at Wake Forest. Skeen, who is also considering Seton Hall, Marquette and Virginia Commonwealth, is scheduled to visit USF's campus this weekend. Heath was in North Carolina on Monday night and met with Skeen, who visited Seton Hall over the weekend and is visiting VCU today.

Heath has firsthand knowledge of Skeen's abilities -- as a sophomore, Skeen had 17 points, seven rebounds and three blocks off the bench in Wake Forest's 74-61 win against the Bulls in Winston-Salem.

Skeen, who will enroll at his new school in January, could be eligible after the close of fall exams in December 2009, much the same as guard Mike Mercer (Georgia) and forward Gus Gilchrist (Maryland) will make their Bulls debuts Sunday against Niagara. He would be eligible for the remainder of next season and in 2010-11 as well.

Skeen, who chose Wake Forest over North Carolina and Florida two years ago, was suspended from school this fall for a violation of the Demon Deacons' university academic policy. He averaged 7.5 points and 4.6 rebounds as a freshman, starting 24 games, and 5.6 points and 4.1 rebounds last season, mostly off the bench.

Skeen, whose father Eric played football at Florida State, would bring a tough, physical presence to USF's frontcourt, which has struggled with depth issues in USF's 3-3 start. The Bulls lose two seniors from their post rotation in center B.J. Ajayi and power forward Aris Williams.

(Times photo by Brian Cassella, showing Skeen against USF's Kentrell Gransberry in December 2006)