Ohio big man taking game to Big Ten

After three trips to a Big Ten power and looking closely at all of his options, Ohio big man Garrick Sherman decided the time was now to take himself off the recruiting board.

The 6-foot-10, 220-pound post from Kenton (Ohio) High School is headed to Michigan State.

"I felt like everything was the right fit for me and coach [Tom] Izzo is a great coach and it's a great situation there," Sherman said. "There is a chance to go there and win championships there. I felt like it was too good of an opportunity to pass up."

Sherman also considered and visited Notre Dame and Purdue, he said. After making the two and a half hour trip to East Lansing several times, Sherman said he saw enough to join the program.

"We went up there three times and we were able to build a pretty strong relationship with the coaching staff. I really had a great feel for their campus. I kept talking to the coaches and got to know them better," the three-star prospect said. "I really like them. They are great guys. I think it's a great fit for me and I think they are going to win and help me get better."

Sherman is the first player to commit to Michigan State in 2009.

He helped his team to a 17-5 record and averaged 23 points, 16 rebounds and five blocks a game as a junior. He will play with the Columbus Basketball Club on the AAU circuit.

"They said they were planning on using me as a four man but to me it doesn't really matter," Sherman said. "They said they will flash me to the high post but also use me on the blocks. Wherever they need me is where I'll be playing. I just want to help them win."