Richards Talks About His Commitment

Two months ago, Drew Richards had no idea where he was going to college. But today he knows - and it will be close to home. RivalsHoops.com caught up with the 6-foot-10, 230-pound power forward from Logan-Rogersville High School in Missouri to talk about his commitment to nearby Southwest Missouri State.

After boiling down things to three schools and making official visits to Arkansas and Texas Tech the past two weekends, Richards simply decided to go with the school that not only had been with him from the beginning, but had made him feel the most "at home" - and not just literally.

Tulsa was the other school in Richards' final four. Other programs recruiting the power forward included Iowa State, Indiana, UCLA, and Georgia.

"Overall, SMS was just a better fit than anywhere else," said Richards. "There really wasn't just one thing, but a combination of things. It was good going to Arkansas and Texas Tech and seeing how great it was there. But I just felt good about SMS."

His high school coach, Rod Gorman, agrees with his star player, and is ecstatic about the choice.

"I think it's a good fit for him," said Gorman. "When it comes down to it, it's the best fit for him because it's where he feels the most comfortable."

Richards is SMS head coach Barry Hinson's first commitment from the Class of 2004. Richards is already looking forwards to the impact he thinks he can make when he sets foot on campus next fall.

"This year, they can knock on the door," said Richards. "Next year, if we get in a good recruiting class, we can knock it down. I'm excited and I can't wait to get there."

The overall process wasn't easy for Richards, who easily was one of the top risers this summer on the AAU circuit, and had schools from all over the country wanting his services. But after extensive research and consultation with his family and coaches, Richards pared down his list slowly but surely, and on Monday night Richards called Barry Hinson to inform him of his final choice.

"He's happy about the decision, happy that it's behind him, and he's ready to go to work this year," said Gorman.

But most of all, the high school senior is elated to have the weight off of his shoulders.

"I can't wait to get started just being a kid again," said Richards.

Richards ranks as the No. 36 power forward and No. 117 player in the Rivals150.

Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com