NorCal Big Man Verbals

With interest from schools throughout the West Coast including the WCC, Big West, and WAC, Joe Gates from Arcata High School in Calif. has ended his recruiting.

The 6-foot-9 power forward verbally committed to coach Milan Brown and the Mount St. Mary's (MD) Mountaineers of the Northeast Conference during an official visit this past weekend. Other schools showing interest were Santa Clara, Loyola Marymount, Riverside, Portland, Washington, Long Beach, Idaho, and Boise St.

Gates was initially impressed with Maryland school during an unofficial visit earlier in the year. His feelings were confirmed this past weekend. "I had a really good visit", said Joe. "I met the players and they are all really nice guys. The coach is building the program and he says i have a chance to start my freshman year."

Jenni Gates, Joe's mother concurs. "We are really excited about this opportunity and know that it will be a great program for Joe both academically and athletically", said Jenni.

Gates is an active big man, who moves well, is fairly long and can block shots. Injuries this past summer hampered him so he did not participate in the mainstream exposure events.

Joe is currently ranked #6 among big men in northern California in the Class of 2004 by NorCal Scouting Report.