Strait To Montana Goes Andrew

Andrew Strait, a scrappy 6-foot-8, 220-pound combo forward from West Valley High School in Yakima, made a name for himself this summer with the high-profile Seattle Rotary Select AAU squad. And now, he's made a decision on his college future after returning from an official visit this past weekend.

"I visited Montana last weekend," said Strait. "I've decided to go there. I felt really good about it and I liked everything there - the coaches, the players, the campus - I pretty much liked everything."

Strait chose Montana over Eastern Washington, where he had also previously made an official visit. While many factors led to him deciding to be a Grizzly, there were certain things that stood out in his decision-making process.

"The education was a big part," said Strait. "Montana has more to offer me. I plan on majoring in Pharmacy and Eastern Washington didn't have that department. And overall, I just really felt comfortable there (at Montana)."

An opportunist on the basketball floor, Strait has the knack of being in the right place at the right time, getting to loose balls or rebounds, picking them up, and putting them in the hoop. He's a versatile player who can hit the mid-range shot, bang the boards, or even handle the ball a little. The prospects his freshman year look good.

"Well, I plan on playing," said Strait, dismissing any idea of a redshirt year. "I should be playing the three. That's where they see me playing."

Strait feels awfully good about his decision - and in some ways is glad that the weight is now off his shoulders and he can simply concentrate on his senior season.

"It's nice (that it's all done with)," said Strait. "When you look back on it, it was fun and all. But you feel relieved when it's all over - it's a long process."

Strait is Montana's second commitment from the Class of 2004, joining Missoula native Jordan Hasquet.

Jed Tai is a senior writer with Hoopville.com