Jonathan Stark has played basketball under the tutelage of his father, Jerry, for most of his life. He plans on playing for a new tutor in the future -- John Shulman.

Stark has committed to play for Shulman at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, according to Stark's father.

"I think this is such a privilege to see Jonathan get ready to leave and have earned a scholarship," Jerry Stark said. "One of the reasons I helped him choose [UTC] is the connection I made with the coaching staff, which is very important."

Stark is a 6-foot, 160-pound guard who considered offers from Lipscomb, New Mexico State and Southeast Louisiana, according to his dad, who said George Mason and Wichita State entered the recruiting process too late.

He played last season at Brighton High School outside Memphis and transferred to Munford (Tenn.) High for his upcoming senior season.

"Once he locks down and becomes an aggressive defensive player, then I think he will be a great college player," Jerry Stark said. "He has great basketball knowledge and great court vision, and he's a great team player. He knows how to get everybody involved in the game."

The father said Jonathan averaged about 21 points and six or seven assists per game last season.

"I wouldn't say he's a great shooter," Jerry Stark said, "but he has a great midrange shot. If there's room for him to improve, I would say it's on the defensive side."

Contact David Uchiyama at duchiyama@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6484.