ASU lands promising 7-footer

Coach Herb Sendek's preparation and attention to detail paid off on Tuesday when Arizona State received a commitment from promising 7-foot-2 center Jordan Bachynski of Calgary (Alberta) High School.

Bachynski's story is not the typical recruiting story. Back in 2008, Bachynski placed himself on the United States recruiting map by performing well in Canada's version of the McDonald's All American Game. Schools began to show interest, and Backynski even took some unofficial visits.

Only problem was that Bachynski was on the brink of taking his Mormon mission. So everything was put on hold while Bachynski has been on his mission in Miami until just recently when he decided he wanted to sign in November instead of waiting till the spring when his mission ends.

"About a month ago Jordan decided to sign in November," said Bachynski's mother Yolanda Bachynski. "So we contacted the coaches that were most interested in Jordan. His mission president said we could meet with the coaches last Wednesday. Jordan whittled it down to five- BYU, Oregon State, San Diego, UConn and Arizona State. They all offered him a scholarship during their meetings."

Arizona State, however, had a built in advantage going into the visit.

"It's kind of funny, but when Jordan began to grow and look like he would be a basketball player at the age of 12, we asked him where he wanted to play in college," said Mrs. Bachynski. "He immediately said Arizona State. I'm not sure why, but he as always been interested in Arizona State since then."

In fact, prior to his meetings with the five coaching staffs, Bachynski asked his family to visit Arizona State, since he would be unable to take anymore visits before the signing period. His family came away extremely impressed with Coach Sendek.

"We toured the campus and me with Coach Sendek," said Mrs. Bachynski. "We saw that Coach Sendek had a plan and vision for Jordan to get in shape so he wouldn't have to redshirt. He had a vision for how he wanted to use him in the offense.

"Comparably all our visits were good, but Coach Sendek was the most prepared of any of the coaches. Also he is a good man and a man of character. We came away from the visit with Coach Sendek and Arizona State the highest on our list."

Jordan Bachynski felt the same after meeting with Coach Sendek on Wednesday in Miami and is now committed to by an Arizona State Sun Devil.

Bachynski's mission ends in late May and the plan is for him to be in summer school in Tempe in early July.

Known for his speed and agility, Bachynski scores the ball effectively to 15-feet and is also a shot blocker. His family is convinced that he will thrive as a player under Sendek's tutelage and in the Arizona State system.

"Jordan has a lot of upside," said Mrs. Bachynski. "He can run the floor like a guard and has quick twitch muscles. He can go right back up for the ball after he lands without needing to gather himself.

"UConn really saw this upside in him. Jordan said the hardest thing he's ever done so far is to turn down UConn."

Bachynski is the third 2010 Arizona State commitment joining three-star guard Corey Hawkins and five-star guard Keala King.