There hasn't been much news concerning Notre Dame basketball recruiting, but there is now. The Fighting Irish landed its first commitment out of the 2008 and 2009 class from 6-foot-5, 205-pound Joey Brooks of Houston Strake Jesuit.

"Joey committed to Notre Dame late last night," said Strake Jesuit head coach Wayne Jones. "He took an unofficial visit up there last weekend and really enjoyed it. Coach Brey and Coach Cross did a great job recruiting him.

"Joey feels he is getting the best of everything at Notre Dame with the great academics, great coaching, a great conference in the Big East. They really sold him on the fact that they didn't bring in any recruits in 2008 and there would be a lot of playing time available for him as a freshman. Plus, he'll be playing in a new areana."

A small forward with a well balanced game, Brooks chose Notre Dame over offers from Wake Forest, Oklahoma State, Arizona State and Marquette.

With one scrimmage under his belt this pre-season, Brooks, who is in the class of 2009, was outstanding according to Coach Jones.

"I haven't broken down the film yet," said Jones. "But in two games worth of minutes, I'd bet Joey had 25 points and 20 rebounds."