Brian Morris commits to SMU. (nm)

[oregonpreps]

Brian is probably overlisted with his height (surprise, surprise). He's probably more like 6-7, maybe 6-7 1/2 (I think we listed him as 6-9, but ha-ha, here's the truth). Supposedly he's still growing though. He was 6-5 as a sophomore and his doctors have said he could end up at 6-10.

What made Oliver Miller so effective was his huge wingspan. Unfortunately, Brian is not blessed with this. But he has the bulk - not to be negative, but his butt reminds me of JR Reid's - to establish himself down low. He went head-to-head with Uche Echefu - one of the top unsigned big men left in this year's class - during the Les Schwab Invitational in December and more than held his own.

[The XtC]

Oregonpreps_
Thank you extensively for coming to our fan site to share your insights on Brian. For us in Dallas it is sometimes hard to keep up with a recruit living so far away, and your first hand observations of our new Mustang are greatly, greatly appreciated. Hopefully you will stick around and share more with us in the future. Particularly if SMU tries to recruit anyone else in your region, I couldnt help but notice that there are some quality underclassmen at Lake Oswego and Portland Jesuit.

I do have one question. Did you happen to watch the game between Portland Jesuit and Oak Hill? Any observations you could provide from that game would be of real interest to the fans here. I was under the impression that Bamba Fall was injured, and did not play, but it sounds like he was there at the tournament. If you did see the game, your thoughts on how Morris played against the Oak Hill frontcourt should be very interesting. Thanks.

[oregonpreps]

Unfortunately, I did not get to see the Jefferson/Oak Hill game in person. But I did listen to the radio call and I don't remember Fall getting into the game - and he doesn't show up in the official boxscore. He did appear in two other games, including 11 minutes in the blowout win over Hillsboro in the finals, so I'm not sure if this was a case of injury or simply a coach's decision.

In general, it was Jamont Gordon of Oak Hill that wowed the crowd during the tournament. Many people who weren't necessarily in the know were wondering if he would jump straight to the NBA - that's how good he looked. A man amongst boys.

It could be that SMU may be looking to get more involved in this region. Some other kids here (a couple of combo guards) have mentioned getting calls from the Mustangs coaching staff, although I don't think it was anywhere as serious as it was for Brian.

[Higher Authority]

OP -- many thanks! Your observations, obviously, exceed those of any of us down here.
And tell those combo guards about SMU -- they need to end up here.

[The XtC]

Thanks again for your insights. It will be interesting to see where Gordon goes, he was considered almost a lock for Tennessee before they changed coaches. I would think he is probably the best Uncommitted player left in this years class.

[oregonpreps]

He recently committed to Mississippi State and should be signing today (unless there's a holdup with his academics). I'm guessing this means that Monta Ellis is going to declare for the draft.

Talk about one heckuva Plan B.

[Charleston Pony]

Welcome aboard, Brian. Now we know where Chris Reay's minutes are going.

[abezontar]

and castro's and simpsons, probably ritters too

[Pony4Life]

Is Ritter really going to play football? I never saw him when I was out there, which makes me guess that maybe he's staying with basketball. Anyone have an update?

[Eddie P]

Pretty sure the DMN said that Ritter was playing basketball.

[Dooby]

Pretty sure the DMN said that Ritter was playing basketball.

Yeah, it was in this weekends paper somewhere.