Gillenwater taking fast track to WAC

Coming off a strong summer, combo forward Troy Gillenwater has the likes of Pittsburgh, Memphis and Florida recruiting him. The four-star 2008 prospect, however, is hoping he gets the college prep test score he needs, so he can play this year as a freshman in the Western Athletic Conference.

"Most likely I'm going to New Mexico State," said the 6-foot-7, 230-pound Gillenwater. "I'm probably going to commit Wednesday.

"I took a visit there about a week ago and really enjoyed it. It felt like the right place. I'm hoping to leave high school early and play there this year. I'm just waiting on my test score and I should get it in three to five days."

If Gillenwater doesn't make the academic cut, he plans to attend Fitchburg (Mass.) Notre Dame Prep, and he said he will likely attend New Mexico State the following year despite having offers from Pittsburgh, Memphis and Florida.

If Gillenwater does make the cut, he will join highly ranked 2007 prospect Herb Pope and New Mexico State's No. 3 ranked mid-major recruiting class.

"I could add a lot to New Mexico State with my versatility," he said. "They have a lot of seniors leaving and a new coach, so it would be a good situation to come into. Coach Menzies and I have had a relationship since he was at Louisville. I could fit in there and do well in that conference."

Troy Gillenwater scouting report:

A versatile player, Gillenwater is a true combo forward who can play both forward positions and is a big time midrange scoring threat. He can also shoot it to the arc and put the ball on the floor. Inside, he can grind out points and rebounds. It is on defense where he is more of a tweener, but offensively he creates serious match up issues.