Oestreicher to the Mountain West
Before 2006 three-star power forward prospect Derek Oestreicher ever hit the hardwood on this summer's AAU circuit, he has made a verbal commitment. Oestreicher, 6-foot-10, 230-pounds, from Liberty Christian High School in Redding, Calif., will play his college basketball in the Mountain West Conference.
"I committed to New Mexico," said Oestreicher. "I went down there in February to watch the BYU game and really liked it. I felt like it was the right fit, so why wait?
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"Their coaching staff is great. They are all Christian men and that meant a lot to me. I felt like God was leading me to make a commitment there."
Oestricher, who averaged 23 points and 12 rebounds per game this past season, was also strongly considering Valparaiso.
Large enough to bang with the big boys, perhaps Oestreicher's greatest strength is his ability to step out and hit the perimeter jumper.
"I think my biggest strength is my ability to step out and hit the 18-foot jumper," he said. "I can also bang in the post.
"I definitely have to get bigger and stronger before going to New Mexico. I am also going to keep working on individual drill with my high school coach Todd Franklin. Coach Franklin is a great coach and I owe him a lot of credit for my development. I've been blessed."
Oestreicher plans to run with Pump N Run, coached by Jim Harrick, this summer.