Gathers goes with Bears
Baylor's No. 14-ranked 2012 recruiting class added a significant piece Monday when four-star prospect Ricardo Gathers committed to the Bears.
A one-time St. John's commitment, Gathers held out as long as he could after his visit a couple weekends ago before committing to Baylor.
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"After his visit to Baylor, he felt good about the players and the situation," said Gathers' brother, Greg Gathers. "He wanted to commit right away, but I told him to hold on for at least a week and really think it through."
Baylor turned up the heat on Gathers, a 6-foot-7, 260-pound power forward from Reserve (La.) Riverside Academy, after he decommitted from St. John's just prior to the early signing period. Coach Scott Drew, however, had a well-established relationship with Gathers.
"Baylor has been there from the beginning," said Gathers. "Coach Drew has watched him since the eighth grade. Ricardo actually played with Tweety Carter and has been watching Baylor for a long time."
Teaming with elite post prospect Isaiah Austin was also a big draw for Gathers.
"Ricardo has always had to play the five," said Gathers. "With Isaiah there, he will get to play the four."
Gathers, the No. 37 prospect in the Rivals150, joins Austin, L.J. Rose and Chad Rykhoek in Baylor's recruiting class.
On the season, Gathers is averaging 24 points and 17 rebounds per game.