Theus adds more Luster
After missing the entire summer with an ankle injury, three-star point guard Jay Dee Luster had to reshuffle his school list. Today, Luster, 5-foot-9, 165-pounds, announced that he is headed to a mid-major program poised to play at a high-major level.
"I'm committing to New Mexico State and Coach Reggie Theus," Luster told Rivals.com just prior to his press conference. "Both of their point guards are seniors, and they have a very strong recruiting class coming in (highlighted by five-star prospect Herb Pope), so we should be a top 25 team.
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"Also Coach Theus is a former NBA player and can really help me with my game. He is a players coach and plays a fast pressing style of play, which is what I am looking for."
Luster chose New Mexico State over San Diego State, Fresno State and Creighton.
"Before the spring I was involved with some bigger schools like Florida, Wake Forest, Xavier and Oklahoma State, but after I hurt my ankle, we sort of went other ways."
Luster, who is averaging 32.8 points, 7.8 assists and 8.3 steals per game, is attempting to join Jason Kidd as the only high school player in U.S. history to finish with 2,000 points, 1,000 assists, and 500 steals.
"Coach Ollie (Goulston) used to tell stories about Jason Kidd and his record when I was younger," said Luster. "It has always been a goal of mine to reach that milestone, so it means a lot to me to get there."
Coach Goulston feels that Luster, who has 1,765 points, 803 assists and 514 steals, can get the points and steals that he needs this season.
"If he can play a normal season and stay healthy, he can get it," said Goulston. "Jay Dee has been so exceptional on and off the court. He has been a pleasure to coach and great to be around. This is an exciting day. I really think New Mexico State got a steal."