[ HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ]
Iolani star Low
commits to WSUHe chooses the Cougars
without visiting the campus
Iolani basketball star Derrick Low took some of the steam out of what was expected to be a heated recruiting battle last night by announcing he has verbally committed to Washington State.
The incoming senior announced his intention to enroll at WSU in 2004 through a news release from Iolani.
The two-time Star-Bulletin Mr. Basketball committed to the Cougars despite not visiting the Pullman, Wash., campus. He said he was won over through phone conversations with new coach Dick Bennett and his son Tony, an assistant at WSU.
"Coach Bennett is a really impressive man. He is honest, sincere and very easy to talk with. I can't think of anyone I would rather play for," Low said in the release. "I also think Coach Tony will give me the best chance to improve my guard skills to my maximum potential."
A verbal commitment is non-binding. But Iolani coach Mark Mugiishi said Low's decision is solid. Low can make his commitment final in November by signing a letter of intent.
"I told him initially that he should really look at it, but he's so positive that this is right for him," Mugiishi said. "When I hear him talk, I can hear it in his voice that it is, so he has my full blessing."
Low, a 6-foot-1 point guard, made the all-state team each of his first three years at Iolani and helped the Raiders win the last two state championships.
He received interest from Hawaii, Utah, Pittsburgh, Connecticut, Oklahoma State, Kansas and Gonzaga. Mugiishi said committing early will take some pressure off Low.
"I think it's good for him, he can concentrate on being a kid again and enjoying his senior year," Mugiishi said.
WSU went 7-20 overall and 2-16 in the Pac-10 last season and hired Dick Bennett as its new coach in April. Bennett is best known for leading Wisconsin to the 2000 Final Four.
"It was easy to see that they are classy people who will take excellent care of my son, regardless of basketball. That is very important to a father," said Kenneth Low.
