Bouchie headed to Valparaiso

Bryan Bouchie couldn't be any happier about his decision to end the recruiting process. The 6-foot-10, 225-pound power forward from Washington (IN) High School has given a verbal commitment to Valparaiso. There was a time not long ago when Bouchie had planned to take several unofficial visits, but it appears that he had a change of heart.

"Yes, Bryan has given a commitment to Valparaiso," said Washington (IN) head coach Gene Miller. "I believe that he actually made the decision within the last two weeks, but decided to make it official during a press conference on Wednesday. To be honest with you, I just believe that Valparaiso is where Bryan really wanted to go."

Throughout the recruiting process, Bouchie had received interest from the likes of Valparaiso, Arizona State, Indiana, Iowa, UNLV, West Virginia, Evansville and Eastern Illinois. Several weeks ago, Bouchie told Rivals.com that he would take unofficial visits to Valparaiso and West Virginia before deciding between the two schools.

According to Miller, just one visit needed to take place in order for Bouchie to make a final decision about his future.

"I do know that Bryan took a visit to Valparaiso, but I don't believe he visited West Virginia," he said. "I really believe that he just felt real comfortable with the coaching staff at Valparaiso. The opportunity to play right away was also a factor."

"Bryan made the decision to attend Valparaiso for a number of reasons," he added. "The relationship that he has with the coaching staff and the chance to play right away were probably the two biggest reasons."