7-Footer To Decide In Spring

Seven-footers with potential who can run the floor aren't easy to come by. So it should come as no surprise that Chris Botez, a long 7-foot-0, 225-pound center from Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Ore., is getting attention from schools all over the country. After fielding calls from dozens of schools earlier in the process, Botez has pared down his list and will be making a decision after his season ends.

"He's narrowed it down from 25 schools to seven," said Chemeketa CC head coach David Abderhalden. "He's staying focused academically and on the rest of the season right now. He's waiting until after the season to take all his visits."

The seven schools that Botez has on his current list are Hawaii, Boise State, Oregon State, UNLV, Utah, DePaul, and Texas A&M. Although Oregon State may no longer be in the picture due to the recent transfer of Nick DeWitz, the rest of the schools have equal appeal to Botez.

"I'm just keeping it open right now," said Botez. "I'll hear what they have to offer and go from there."

One factor that Botez will take into consideration is the academic programs and the type of tutoring that's available. Location may or may not be a factor.

"It doesn't really matter to me - I'll go as far away as I can, actually," said Botez. "But my dad kind of wants me to stay close to home."

So far this season for Chemeketa, Botez is averaging 12.6 points and 8.8 rebounds while shooting 57 percent from the field. His combination of height, length, and ability to move is what intrigues colleges. In a recent road win over Portland CC, Botez may not have piled up the numbers in a nine-point, nine-rebound, two-block effort, but he showed a tremendous ability to motor up and down the court and was often the first guy down on the fast break on offense, and the first guy back on defense.

"What schools like is the way he runs the floor as well as anyone," said Abderhalden. "Seven-foot guys that are mobile will always find a place. But he also rebounds and defends well, and that's what they are looking for."

Botez is still developing offensively and has a little bit of a strange one-handed lefty release. While he scores most of his points off offensive putbacks and in transition, the lanky big man has a few spin moves and a decent touch out to mid-range.

"I've developed a lot on my post-up moves (since high school)," said Botez.

Abderhalden has noted that most of Botez's recruiting calls have been routed through his office, but that things have recently opened up to Botez's home in Portland. Stay tuned to what develops in this developing center's recruitment.

Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com

-- Denny Conroy contributed to this story