NorCal Big Man Considers His Options

Playing basketball in the remote confines of Arcata, California, Joe Gates is a name we rarely hear about. However, schools throughout the West Coast including the WCC, Big West, and WAC are certainly aware of the 6-foot-8 inch power forward.

Gates is hearing from Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, Mount St. Mary's (MD), Riverside, Portland, Washington, Long Beach, Idaho, and Boise St. Mount St. Mary's has offered.

"I'm looking for a place I'm comfortable living and people I'm comfortable with," said Gates. "...a school with good academics and my major." Joe says he plans to major in either Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering. He also indicated he would like to stay on the West Coast but is open to the idea of leaving home.

Gates has taken unofficial visits to Santa Clara, San Jose St., and Mount St. Mary's, the latter while he was attending a camp at the University of North Carolina. He says he would like to take official visits to LMU and Mount St. Mary's.

Joe is a promising big man prospect who is long and, when healthy, is a good leaper, moves well and is active around the glass.

He recently joined the Chico Tarheels club team. His summer schedule has been limited because he attends summer school but he will compete in the Little Big Time, Big Time and Best of the Summer tournaments this month.

Joe says he has a 2.4 GPA and scored a 1240 on the SAT. We will keep you posted on his recruiting as the summer progresses.