PROVO — The Brigham Young Cougars have landed another of the state's top boys basketball recruits.
Provo High 6-foot-9 senior center Brandon Davies has given Cougars coach Dave Rose a verbal commitment that he'll play basketball next season for the Cougars. Davies made his official visit to BYU's campus this weekend, and made his decision to play for the Cougars at the end of that visit on Sunday morning.
"Everything just feels right about this decision," Davies said. "This is just the right fit for me and the right team for me. I've watched them play, I know all the guys and know I'll enjoy playing with them, and I like the coaches. Also, it gives me a chance to stay close to those who have supported me, and I'll be able to play where they can come watch me."
Getting Davies on board culminates a stellar year on the local recruiting front for BYU. Two weeks ago Lone Peak shooting guard Tyler Haws, the Deseret News 2007-08 Mr. Basketball, also committed to BYU. Last spring Lone Peak center Nate Austin accepted an offer to play for the Cougars and Orem center Ian Harward gave his affirmative to the Cougars this summer. All four are planning to sign with BYU on Nov. 12.
Provo coach Craig Drury said BYU got a good one in Davies.
"He's going to be a very good player at the next level," Drury said. "And he's one of those kids who can play whatever position you need him to play just so you can get the next best player on the floor."
Davies has shown that he has a soft touch around the basket, good offensive skills in the paint, is not afraid of contact, plays aggressive, runs the floor well and can rebound. He can play either center or the power forward position.
As a first-team Deseret News All-State selection last year, Davies averaged 11 points and six boards for the Bulldogs despite playing most of the season with an injured shin. In the playoffs, however, he helped the Bulldogs win another state 4A basketball title and scored 26 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the semifinal game.
His stock rose last spring and this summer when a healthy Davies regularly put up double-doubles in national tournaments and camps.
"He works so hard on his game," Drury said. "He's always playing basketball."
Only 17, Davies will likely grow to be 6-foot-10 or 6-foot-11 in the next couple of years. He also plans to play the next two seasons for BYU before deciding on whether to go on an LDS Church mission.
Before picking BYU, Davies was also considering offers from California and Utah State.
"This was a very difficult decision. But it's a big relief that I finally have this behind me," he said.
E-mail: jimr@desnews.com