New Mexico State lands a big man

Brandon Stores, one of the few unsigned big men in the class of 2005, has made a verbal commitment to New Mexico State. Stores, a 6-foot-9, 220-pound center from Cincinnati, Ohio, and prepping at Christian Center Academy in Ohio, caught several schools attention from several schools but committed when offered by the Aggies.

"Brandon committed to New Mexico State yesterday afternoon," said Christian Center Academy head coach Travis McAvene. "He is really excited. They treated him good and were really aggressive in recruiting him. They flew out here twice during the evaluation period."

With his athleticism as the strongest aspect of his game, Stores is steadily improving as a player.

"Brandon has the ability to score around the basket," said McAvene. He's also a very good shot blocker. He's getting better as a player, but he's a great athlete.

Stores, who played for the Pittsburgh Jots this summer, also needs to put on weight as he develops his skills.

"More than anything, Brandon needs to put on some weight and extend his range," said McAvene.

Stores, who is averaging 20 points and 15 rebounds per game, also considered UNLV, Tennessee and Marshall and Kent State, who both offered.